St Emma of Gurk Austria

Saint Emma was known in her younger years as Hemma; she was a relative of Emperor Saint Henry the Second. She was raised by Saint Cunegund and grew up at Henry's court. In her adult life, she became wife to Landgrave William of Friesach.

During an uprising in one of the mines of William, their children were unfortunately killed. William, because of his grief, went on a pilgrimage to Rome Italy but was not able to come back alive.

St. Emma devoted herself to serving the poor by founding some foundations and religious inns in Gurk Austria. It was said that in a monastery in Gurk, she became a nun and offered her life to the service of the Lord.

Roman Catholic Saint Emma’s feast day is on the 27th of June. She is known as the Patron Saint of Gurk and the state of Carinthia. Likewise we can pray fervently for her intercession to the Lord God as Patron Saint of those with eye diseases.

St Justin Martyr: Patron Saint of the Apologists

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.

St. Matthias: Patron Saint of Carpenters

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

Patroness Saint Catherine of Sweden

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.

Our Saint Maximilian Kolbe

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.

Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
Feast Day: 31 May

After Annunciation, Virgin Mary hurried to a town in Judea to visit Elizabeth, her cousin who was pregnant at the time. As Mary greeted Elizabeth, John the Baptist, the baby in her womb, leapt in excitement and joy. This incident is found in Luke 1:39-42. The basilica has a Visitation mural with the depiction of Mary and her cousin outside Elizabeth and Zachary’s house.

Elizabeth asked Mary, "Why would the mother of the Lord come visit me?" She knelt upon Blessed Virgin Mary; this is a sign that she is humbled by the presence of the Lord God and His Mother.

The women are positioned between Joseph, with his donkey and holding his walking stick, and Zachary, who was depicted as an old man (Elizabeth was also depicted as an aged lady). Mary's answer to the question of Elizabeth is actually the lyrics of Magnificat, the well-known canticle sung everyday during Evening Prayer (found in Luke 1:46-55).

Saint Mark, the Evangelist

Saint Mark the Evangelist, also called by the name of John Mark is said to be the writer of Gospel of Mark. He is also popularly known as constant company of Saint Peter. He is known to have authored the gospel of Mark during his travel with St Peter to Rome. The gospel as a widely popular one containing details about Peter’s activities and works during the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

St Mark also accompanied Barnabas and Paul of Tarsus on the first missionary work of Paul. During this trip, there was a major disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, with the latter separating from Paul and bringing along Mark with him.
Later Paul called on Mark to be his companion. Since then Mark was also known as the fellow worker of Paul.

Saint Mark the Evangelist is also known to have given the message that gives importance to the Holy Word of the Lord God to the lives of everyone. He preaches that the Holy Scriptures speak to all of us and reach the depth of our hearts.

The feast day of St Mark the Evangelist is April 25, also the date of the saint’s martyrdom. He is also known as the Patron Saint of Barristers and of Venice.

St Bernadette Soubirous: Patron Saint of the Sick

Saint Bernadette, also known as Marie Bernarde Soubirous in her younger days was born and stayed at Lourdes, a Southern France town. Her true Occitan name is Ma. Bernada Sobirós. In the year 1858, Saint Bernadeta (translated as Little Bernadette) reported apparitions of "a beautiful Lady."

This was initial met with major skepticism by the Roman Catholic Church. However, Saint Bernadette’s claims were eventually pronounced worthy of trust and belief after a dedicated and comprehensive canonical investigation.

And one of the true miracles, the body of Bernadette stayed incorruptible after her death, and Lourdes’ Shrine became a very popular site for Catholic and Christian pilgrimage. Millions of pilgrims visit the Saint Bernadette Shrine at Lourdes every year.

Few more facts about St Bernadette

Canonization as Saint: 8th December 1933
Feast Day: April 16
Patron Saint: Sick people, poverty, family

St Athanasius: Patron Saint of Orthodoxy and Traditional Roman Catholicism

Saint Athanasius the Great (and the Apostolic), also known as Pope Athanasius I of Alexandria was a Church Elder, Bishop of Alexandria, a theologian and a major religious leader in Egypt during the 4th century.

Conflict with Bishop Arius

He is widely known for his role in the popular conflict with Arius, also a Egyptian Bishop. During a council of Nicaea (325), Catholic Saint Athanasius debated against Arius regarding his doctrine which tells about Jesus Christ being a distinct substance from the Lord God.

Reverence for various Churches

St Athanasius is not only considered a Catholic Saint; he is also honored a saint by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches as well as the Eastern Catholic Churches. He is considered a revered Church leader by the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran, and Protestants.

Chronologically, St Athanasius is the very first Church Doctor with the Roman Catholic Church’s designation - he belongs to the Great Doctors and Leaders of Eastern Church.

Feast day of St Athanasius

Christianity: May 2
Eastern Orthodox: January 18
Coptic Orthodox: May 15

Saint Athanasius is well-known for the title “Champion of Orthodoxy.” He is the Patron Saint of traditional Roman Catholics.

Saint Joseph's Feast Day: May 1

Today is May 1, the feast day of Saint Joseph, which is not just the Patron Saint of Carpenters and Real Estate Sellers, but also of Workers in general. Perhaps this is the reason why the Labor Day of most countries is celebrated on this date.

Short Prayer to Saint Joseph

Dear Catholic Saint Joseph, guardian of the Blessed Family, please protect the people of Christ, always lead us away from sin and corruption and the powers of darkness. You, who rescued Jesus as a Child from the hands of Herod, so do protect the Universal Church of Christ from harm. Keep us the Children of God one under your loving protection, and by your example, we also will lead a blessed life, and in death be able to experience eternal life and the Divine Presence of God in the kingdom of heaven, Amen.

Related Saint Joseph Article

St Catherine: Patron Saint of Fire Prevention

Saint Catherine of Sienna is widely recognized as one of the Christian and Catholic worlds’ most intelligent theological and philosophical minds, albeit she never experienced receiving any kind of formal education.

In the year 1377, Catholic Saint Catherine unyieldingly persuaded the Holy Pope to return to the City of Rome, and up to her last breath she as a staunch promoter of the healing of the Western Schism.

Our Lord God gave her Stigmata in 1375, which became visible to people only after St Catherine’s death. The letters and treatise of Saint Catherine of Sienna were seriously considered as among the Catholic Church’s most intelligent theological writings.

St. Catherine died at the young age of 33, and the Catholic Saint’s body was discovered to be preserved in the year 1430.

Patron Saint: Fire Prevention, Doctor of Church
Feast day of Saint Catherine: April 29

Saint Aphrodisius - Cephalophore

What is a cephalophore? It is actually a Greek word which means “head-carrier.” Cephalophore is a saint who is depicted as holding his head with his own hands; this means that the saint was martyred by way of beheading. Some artists, when wanting to depict a cephalophore, either places the saint’s halo on where his head is used to be found. Other artists and sculptors have their Catholic Saints holding their halo together with the head.

One of the more popular cephalophore saints is Saint Aphrodisius. As he was preaching the Christian faith, he encountered some pagans among the crowd who became reacted violently and went on the behead Saint Aphrodius on the same spot. Aphrodisius then was able to pick up and bring his head to the church that he consecrated at the place. The site still exists – Beziers’ Place Saint-Aphrodise.

The feast day of Saint Aphrodisius is today – April 28.

San Lorenzo Ruiz: First Filipino Saint

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, also known as Saint Laurence Ruiz is the first ever Filipino Roman Catholic Saint venerated and honored in the Catholic Church. St. Lorenzo was a martyr during the Tokugawa Shogunate - 17th century persecution of the Christians in Japan.

St Lorenzo Ruiz is considered the Patron Saint of the Filipino and Chinese Filipino youth. He is also known as the Patron Saint of the Filipino Expatriates and people lacking in basic necessities. The Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz is every September 28.

Prayer to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

Lord, you have given Lorenzo Ruiz
Great strength to resist the
Forces of death
Because of his great faith in your love.

Through Lorenzo’s prayers
Please make us follow his steps
Help us overcome all adversities and trials
And increase tremendously
Our hope, faith and full love for You.


Dear Saint Lorenzo Ruiz,
You gave much honor to the Philippines,
You are a humble witness of Jesus Christ in your simple life
Up to your own death.

We sent all our prayers and petitions
To the Lord God with your assistance
In order that with all our actions and prayers,
We are able to know and understand more
Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray for your intercession
Our dear Saint Lorenzo Ruiz,
For the honor and glory of the Lord God
And also for your honor
As a humble martyr and follower of Jesus Christ
And staunch defender of the Christian faith.

Amen.

Few More Facts about the Saints

Do you know that as of today, there are more than ten thousand Roman Catholic saints, including beatified persons? However with the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox religions, this number of saints might even be higher. We also have the Calendar of Saints listed according the day on which they are honored and venerated. There is also a list of Catholic saints, according the date of their death.

What really are Patron Saints?

For Christians and Catholics that have the belief that there exist the intercessions of Catholic Saints, this is called the patron saint, wherein the saint has a special fondness or affinity to a specific group. For example, for the carpenters who believe in their intercession, they can always pray to Saint Joseph. And for those who consider themselves burdened with impossible cases and problems, they can also go to St Jude or Saint Rita of Cascia for their intercession.

Negative Views about Patron Saints

Some religions view the belief of Christians and Catholics on the intercession of the Patron Saints as polytheism and even idolatry. They associate the patron saint with the gods or goddesses of pagans during the olden times. And because of these, the non-believers think of the act of saint veneration as one that is condemnable by the Holy Bible.

It must be clear that the praying to the saints does not mean adoring and worshipping them. Catholics and even Christians do not pray to the saints with the thinking that the saints will help them directly.

Catholics are clearly aware that the Roman Catholic Saints are only a medium. They act as effective intercessors, so that your prayers are more effectively listened to by the Lord, with the hope that our intentions will be granted faster.

Pope Benedict's Urbi et Orbi Blessing at Saint Peter's Basilica

I chanced upon a short clip (blurred copy) of the Pope Benedict’s Easter Greetings to the Catholic and Christian World. Once every year, pilgrims from all over the world gather at the Vatican, specifically at the Saint Peter’s Basilica to hear the Easter message of Pope Benedict – the yearly Urbi et Orbi blessing. Urbi et Orbi literally means to the city of Rome and to the whole world. Therefore, the Pope’s message and Apostolic blessings is sent out to Rome and the world. The other time that pilgrims gather at the Basilica of Saint Peter to hear the Urbi and Orbi message of the Pope is during Christmas celebration. A special part of the blessing is the forgiveness of the sins of the faithful, not just those who were physically present at the blessing but likewise those who are watching the blessing on TV and listening to it on the radio.

Happy Easter to Everyone!

Christ has risen! As we, our families and friends gather around this Easter, let as remember Jesus’ sacrifice and his blessing and gift to us, the Catholic faithful, of the freedom from the burden of our sins. Let us celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ this Blessed Sunday.

A very Happy Easter to all, from Saint Rita of Cascia blog!

This Holy Week: Commemorating the Lenten Season

I have already written many articles about the novenas that we say for our Patron Saints, and how we unfailingly pray to them for just about anything, but mostly for their powerful intercession to the Lord. Roman Catholic Saints serve as our effective mediator; they greatly help us in our intentions and requests, so that the Lord may immediately hear and grant them. Patron Saints are the amazing facilitators of our wishes and prayers, and all our humble pleadings that we fervently cry out in order to earn God’s attention and blessings.

On this Holy Week, why don’t we dedicate our time to the Son of God Jesus Christ, who has died for us, for our sins, that we may be granted forgiveness by God? And like how we our fervent devotees to our Patron Saints, may we assign this Holy Week as a time for full devotion to Jesus Christ. Let us commemorate the Lenten Season by intently ponder upon His last hours and finally His Crucifixion and death on Mount Calvary. Without His sacrifice, the ultimate one, we would not have received the forgiveness of the Lord God for our sins.

St Lucy of Syracuse

Saint Lucy of Syracuse, who is also called St Lucia was venerated both as a Roman Catholic Saint and as an Orthodox Christian Saint. She is considered the Patron Saint of the Blind. Saint Lucia belongs to the group of seven blessed women (does not include the Virgin Mary) who are commemorated by their names in Roman Canon.

The feast day of Saint Lucy used to be on the 16th of September together with Saint Geminianus. Now Roman Catholic Saint Calendar commemorates her on 13th of December.

Here is a short prayer to Roman Catholic Saint Lucy (for those who are blind):

St Lucy of Syracuse
Patron Saint of the Blind and with Eye Problems

We rely on your greatness, Dear Lord God, we are here on our knees, humbly pleading for your help, through the aid and intercession of Roman Catholic Saint Lucy, Martyr and Lady Virgin, to provide and restore full vision, perfect sight, that our eyes may continuously serve on your glory and honor.

Dear St Lucy, hear our requests and help us receive our intentions, Amen.

St. Patrick: Patron Saint of the Irish People

For the Irish people, there is the festive celebration commemorating the Day of Saint Patrick, on March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day is indeed a big celebration, a major holiday for citizens of Ireland as he is considered here their Patron Saint.

He was a priest who came back to Ireland with the mission of converting the Irish people who were then considered as pagans.

Christian legend tells us about St. Patrick as one who worked all his own just to spread the Christian religion in his country.

Today, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world, and even in the United States.

Prayer to Roman Catholic Saint – St. Patrick

Our Dear Father,
You graciously sent our Patron Saint Patrick to spread glory to the Irish people,
With his prayers,
All Catholics and Christians may proclaim their love to everyone
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen

Saint Anne - One of the Most Revered Roman Catholic Saints

Saint Anne, also known as Anna and the Patron Saint of Brittany, is the sweet mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the story according to Gospel of James, it was said that Roman Catholic Saint Anne and husband Joachim, were surprised by a visit of God’s angel who give them the message that they would be gifted with a child.

Mary was dedicated to the service of the Lord God, as promised by Saint Anne. It was also said that the blessed couple gave Mary to the Second Temple’s service at the tender age of three.

Anne is considered the Patron Saint of women who work in mines and other difficult work.

Prayer to Saint Anne

Oh Blessed St. Ann, one of the most glorious Roman Catholic Saints, you with so much compassion in your heart, especially for us who invoke your intercession and aid, you with so much love for those who hear sufferings.

With heavy onus and troubles, we place ourselves at your humble feet and pray that you listen to our woes and consider in helping us receiving our intentions.

Please do recommend our intentions to the Virgin Mary, your blessed daughter and position them before Jesus Christ, so He may bless them and realize them for us.

Please intercede for us unceasingly, until the Lord God will finally grant our prayers.

But most of all, obtain the grace that one day, we will be able to meet our Lord God Almighty face to face. Amen

Say one Our Father.

Say one The Hail Mary.