The Holy Ones

GAUTAMA BUDDHA
Stamps: A2002E26, S2002H021, S2002H022,
Siddharta Gautama, more widely known as the Buddha lived and preached from 563 B.C. to 480 B.C. in northern India, making Buddhism one of the oldest religions and philosophies of mankind. His life and teachings have had a significant impact on other religions, philosophies, morality and ways of life, beginning in Asia and spreading across the other continents.The teachings of Buddhism are considered to be universal in nature. Buddhism propagates moderation in one's life, non-violence, peaceful co-existence, and consistent practice of compassion, goodwill and loving-kindness. It teaches us to safeguard and preserve resources and the natural environment as a means to respect the lives of all beings.

JESUS CHRIST
Stamps: A1956K28, A1969F30, C1969F30, A1984L08, A1987G22, A1989K06, A1991A30, A1997J16.1, S1998F12, A2002C22, S2003D23, A2003D23,

VIRGIN MARY
Stamps: A1954L30, A1958L08, A1971H16, A1976K26, A1984H03, A1984L08, A1985I08, A1989K06, A1992D12, A1993J15, A2003I08, A2003D23,

POPE JOHN PAUL II (1978- )
Stamps: A1981B17, S1981B17, A1995A02, S1995A02, S1995A04,
Born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice on May 20, 1920. Ordained a priest in 1946, became the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland in 1964-78, he was created a cardinal in 1967, elected Pope on October 16, 1978. The first non-Italian pope since the 16th century. Wrote profoundly a)encyclicals: Redemptor hominis (1979), Dives in misericordia (1980), Laborem exercens (1981), Slavorum apostolorum (1985), Dominum et vivificantem (1986), Redemptoris mater (1987), and Centesimus Annus (1991), Veritatis Splendor (1993), Evangelium Vitae (1995); and a best-selling book Crossing the Threshold of Hope (1994). He has also sought to improve Catholic-Jewish relations and established (1993) diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Israel, promulgated a revised Code of Canon Law (1983); approved the publication of a new Catholic Catechism (1992); survived two assassination attempts: one in Saint Peter's Square in 1981 in which he was seriously wounded, and another, without injury, in Portugal in 1982. He has traveled more extensively than any of his predecessors, preaching to millions of people on six continents and in more than 70 nations.

POPE PAUL VI (1963-78)
Stamps: A1970K27, C1970K27, A1972I26, C1972I26,
Born Giovanni Battista Montini on Sept. 26, 1897, d. Aug. 6, 1978. He was reared in Brescia and attended the Gregorian Institute at Rome following his ordination in 1920. He worked for the Papal Secretariat of State (1922-54) and was also associated with the University Federation of Italian Catholic Action. In 1937, Montini became under secretary of state for ordinary or internal affairs, until 1954, under his patron, Cardinal Pacelli, the future pope Pius XII. He was appointed archbishop of Milan, and became a cardinal in 1958. Montini helped John at the Second Vatican Council and was his chosen successor. His Humanae Vitae (1968) encyclical on contraception, supported the church's prohibition based on natural law. He reorganized the Roman Curia, enlarged the College of Cardinals to include those from Third World and Communist countries. Paul's Populorum Progressio (1967) encyclical attacked laissez-faire capitalism and the "international imperialism of money.". As the first "Pilgrim Pope," he visited 16 countries on 6 continents urging peace, justice, ecumenism, and brotherhood.

The Saints

ST. BEHILDE, FSC. : A1986F16,

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA (1347-1380), Italian mystic
Stamps : A1996D30.3,
Born on Mar. 25, 1347. She is especially remembered for the part she played in bringing about the return (1377) of Pope Gregory XI from the papal residence in Avignon, France, to Rome which ended the 68-year absence of the popes from Rome. Also known for her unusual mystical revelations, the holiness of her life, and her spiritual writings, she became a member of the Dominican Third Order at 16. Although she never learned to write, she dictated several treatises, including The Dialogue. Died April 29, 1380. Canonized in 1461 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970. Feast day: April 29.

ST. JOHN BOSCO [a.k.a. DON BOSCO] (1815-1888)
Stamps: A1988A31,
Born in Turin, Italy, on August 16, 1815, a pioneer in the field of vocational training in Italy, founded (1859) the Society of Saint Francis de Sales (Salesia), a community of Roman Catholic priests specializing in the education of boys. With Saint Maria Mazarello, founded the Salesian Sisters in 1872. Died on January 31, 1888, and canonized in 1934.

BLESSED MARIE EUGENE :
Stamps : A1998B252,

ST. M. EUPHRASIA PELLETIER :
Stamps : A1987J27,

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1181-1226), founder of the Franciscans.
Stamps : A1999I032,
Born in Assisi, Italy, circa 1182, The son of a rich merchant named Pietro di Bernardone, and publicly renounced (1206) his father's wealth. He, living as a hermit, preached the necessity of a poor, simple lifestyle based on the ideals of the Gospels. Pope Innocent III ordained him as deacon and permitted him to preach on moral topics. With the collaboration of Saint Clare, founded (1212) a branch for women, called the Poor Clares and established (1221) the Third Order for lay people. In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, attempted to convert the Sultan al-Kamil while the crusaders laid siege to Damietta in Egypt. Retired from the government of the order to a life of contemplation, during which he received the stigmata, and composed his famous poem, the Canticle of Brother Sun. Died October 3, 1226, and was canonized in 1228. Feast day: October 4.

ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (1491-1556), first general of the Society of Jesus.
Stamps : A1981G31, S1981G31,
Born into a noble Basque family at the Loyola family castle near San Sebastian in northern Spain in 1491, He was educated at the royal court of Castile. While in the service of the viceroy of Navarre, Wounded in a battle with the French in 1521. Once recovered, went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem then studied Latin at Barcelona (1524-26) and philosophy at Alcala (1526-27) and at Salamanca (1527). In 1528 he began his theological training at Paris. With six others (including Saint Francis Xavier), founded the Society of Friends at Montmartre in 1534. They were ordained in 1537. Besides his Spiritual Exercises, he dictated an autobiography, wrote the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and left several thousand letters. Died on July 31, 1556, canonized in 1622 and is the patron of spiritual retreats. Feast day: July 31.

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS (1542-1591), a Spanish mystic and poet,
Stamps : A1991J15, S1991J15,
Born on June 24, 1542, St John is considered by many the greatest Western authority on mysticism and one of Spain's finest lyric poets.He entered a Carmelite monastery in 1563 and was ordained a priest in 1567. With Saint Teresa of Avila, founded the Discalced Carmelites. Imprisoned (1577) in the monastery of Toledo. Escaped in 1578 and later served as prior of Granada (1582-88) and of Segovia (1588-91). Most important writings are The Spiritual Canticle (1578); The Ascent of Mt. Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul; and The Living Flame of Love, completed by 1583. These poems deal with the purification of the soul--through detachment and suffering--in its mystical journey toward God and give a detailed description of the three stages of mystical union: purgation, illumination, and union. Died on December 14, 1591, canonized in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926. Feast day: December 14.

JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA (1902), Priest and Founder of Opus Dei.
Stamps: A2002A09,
Born in Barbastro. Spain on January 9, 1902. He was ordained priest on March 28, 1925. On October 2, 1928, following divine inspiration, he founded Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church that has opened up a way of sanctification for ordinary people, through daily work and the fulfillment of personal, family, and social duties. Now raised to the altars of the Church, Blessed Josemaria Escriva reminds us, more forcefully than ever, that the divine paths of the earth have been opened up for everyone," declared Pope John Paul II during the beatification ceremonies of May 17, 1992 before some 300,000 pilgrims in St Peter's Square in Rome. Lately, on December 20, 2001 Pope John Paul II approved a decree on a miracle attributed to the intercession of Josemaria Escriva thus completing the formal requirements for his canonization. The remaining steps are for the Vatican to set a canonization date and for the Pope to solemnly proclaim that Blessed Josemaria Escriva is to be included among the Saints. At the core of Escriva's teachings is the message that any honest work, done well. as a service to God and fellowmen, is a means for ordinary men and women to become saints. This is the message he has wanted his spiritual children to spread all over the world. Escriva entrusted his Filipino children with the task of the evangelization of Asia, where millions, he said, still have to hear about Jesus Christ. He said that with their oriental features, the Filipinos will be received well anywhere in Asia and that they should go "due in altum" (cf. Luke 5:4) "into the deep seas" of the archipelago and beyond. From the Philippines, Opus Dei has established stable apostolic work in Hongkong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Macao. Escriva's message of holiness in work and in the fulfillment of ordinary duties continues to spread to the different Asian countries.

ST. LORENZO RUIZ The first Filipino saint : A1983B18, A1987J10, S1987J10,

BLESSED PEDRO CALUNGSOD A2002D02, S2002D02,
Sometime in 1654 or 1955, a boy who was christened Pedro Calungsod was born somewhere in the Visayas. Curiously, at least three towns lay claim to be his birthplace - Ginatilan and Tuburan Cebu and Loboc in Bohol. When he was a thirteen or fourteen year old catechist, he met Blessed Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores - a martyr beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 6, 1985 as proto-martyr of the Marianas Islands - somewhere Manila or Cavite in 1668. He then joined the Mariana Mission composed of Spanish Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines headed by Padre Diego as Rector. They went to the Ladrones Islands - later renamed the Marianas Islands - to evangelize the Chamorros. On the fateful morning of April 2, 1672 - a day before Passion Sunday - he traveled with Blessed Padre Diego to the village of Tumhon on the Island of Guam to recover a runaway servant and perform baptismal rites. "In hatred of the faith," two natives maimed and killed them for being Christians, catechizing the Chamorros, and administering the Sacrament of baptism. Their bodies were thrown into the deep ocean. He could have fought back and saved themselves from their assailants had he been armed. Unfortunately, he was not armed. He dutifully obeyed Padre Diego who prohibited it among his companions. He could have also fled for his life if he wanted to but he chose to stay, stand for his faith and die with Padre Diego. He was only seventeen or eighteen years old when he died a martyr. Fellow missionaries remembered him as a good and valiant lad who served the Mariana Mission as a zealous, faithful and virtuous catechist and helper. They admired his perseverance in the Christian Faith and Apostolate despite the difficult and dangerous life in the Mission up to the day he was martyred. He was a buen catolico - a good Catholic; a buen soldado de Cristo - a good soldier of Christ; a buen hijo - a good son; and a vertueux catechiste - a virtuous catechist. He was thus proclaimed a beatus - a saint for the Third Christian Millennium - who can serve as an inspiration to the youth of today, not only for the Philippines, Guam or Marianas Islands where he proclaimed and practiced his faith but also for the whole world. Recognizing his martyrdom, His Holiness Pope John Paul It beatified him at the St. Peter's Square on March 5, 2000. He is now just a step away from sainthood that many Filipinos want to happen as soon as possible because his life serves as a very good example on how to live according to established Christian virtues. Filipinos of today pray for his spirit to come alive to inspire young people to "fill out their lives with faith" and guide them in bearing witness to his faith as the Patron of the Filipino youth.

ST. MIGUEL FOBRES CORDERO, FSC : A1986F16,

ST. TERESA OF AVILA (1515-1582), Spanish Carmelite and mystic
Stamps: A1982J15,
Born Teresa de Cespeda y Ahumada, on March 28, 1515, daughter of a noble Spanish family. In 1535 she entered the Carmelite monastery of the Incarnation at Avila. After a serious illness and spiritual apathy reawakened (1555) the need for strict observance of the austere Carmelite rule. Opened (1562) the Convent of Saint Joseph in Avila, the first of the reformed Carmelite houses. Until her death she led the way in reforming both the male and female branches of the Carmelite order. Along with Saint John of the Cross, considered the founder of the Discalced ("shoeless") Carmelites. Best-known works are The Way of Perfection (1583), The Interior Castle (1588), The Book of Foundations (1610), and her Life (1611). Died on October 4, 1582, and declared a doctor of the church in 1970.

ST. THERESE OF CHILD JESUS (1873-1897), Little Flower of Jesus
Stamp : A1997J16.1.
Born Therese Martin in Alencon, France, Jan. 2, 1873, is one of the most popular saints of the Roman Catholic church. Entered the Carmelite convent at the age of 15. Died of tuberculosis on September 30, 1897. Her life was marked by its simplicity and goodness, and after her death her spiritual autobiography, The Story of a Soul (1898; Eng. trans., 1958), aroused great interest. Canonized on May 17, 1925, and her shrine at Lisieux has become a major place of pilgrimage.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA
Stamp : A2003J04,

The Religious

Stamps: A1981G31, S1981G31, A1982J15, A1983B18, A1984A23, S1984K20, A1986E25, S1986F16, A1987F05, A1987G22, A1987K11, A1988E22, A1988H01.1, A1988H01.2, A1989B17, A1992H15.1, A1995G22, A1997B18, A1998J09.2, S1998F03, A1998J09.2, A1998B252, A2004A22.1,

DOMINICAN ORDER
Stamps: A1987K11, A1996D30.3,
The Order of Preachers (OP), or Dominicans, was founded (1215) by Saint Dominic in southern France. The Dominicans were friars, receiving rigorous theological training in order to preach and answer objections against the Christian faith. They were to be poor and to travel on foot. The first house of friars was established at Toulouse; approval was given by Pope Honorius III. Dominicans were closely associated with the development of scholasticism during the 13th century and were prominent at the great universities of Europe. Saint Thomas Aquinas was one of their most important representatives. In medieval England the Dominicans were called Black Friars. During the Middle Ages they were often chosen to head the Inquisition. Today the pope's theologian is always a Dominican. Saint Catherine of Siena was a Dominican who exerted great influence on 14th-century church history. Other famous Dominicans include Saint Albertus Magnus, Girolamo Savonarola, Pope Pius V, Fra Angelico, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint Rose of Lima.

JESUIT ORDER
Stamps: A1981G31, S1981G31, S1984K20
The Society of Jesus, the largest Roman Catholic religious order, was founded by Saint Ignatius Loyola who became (1541) its first general. Beginning with a group of seven students in Paris who took (1534) vows of poverty and chastity, ordained as priests (1537), and placed themselves at the disposal of the pope, Paul III, who gave formal approval to the society in 1540. Jesuits concentrate on foreign missions, education, and scholarship. Saint Francis Xavier, one of the original seven, was the first Jesuit to open the East to missionaries. The Order was suppressed (1773) by Pope Clement XIV after the Counter-Reformation but was reestablished (1814) by Pope Pius VII. Members of the order were involved in many social and theological movements and scientific pursuits, such as the study of earthquakes. Among noted modern Jesuits are John Carroll, who later became the first Catholic bishop in the United States, the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, the paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Cardinal Augustin Bea (1881-1968), who worked for Christian unity, and the theologian Karl Rahner.

FRANCISCAN
Stamps: A1999I032
A religious order that follows the rule of Saint Francis of Assisi. The first Franciscans, called the Order of Friars Minor, followed an ideal of total poverty; they possessed nothing in common or individually. Also known as the people's preachers or Grey Friars. Disagreements about the ideal of poverty brought a permanent division in the 15th century between the Friars Minor Conventual (O.F.M. Conv.) and the Order of Friars Minor (O.F.M.). In the 16th century, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (O.F.M. Cap.) established a stricter independent branch of Franciscans. Preaching, teaching, foreign missions, and parish work remain the work of the Franciscans today. The Poor Clares, Franciscan nuns, are the second order. The Third Order comprises lay men and women who combine prayer and penance with everyday activity. The English philosopher and scientist Roger Bacon was a Franciscan, as were the philosopher-theologians Duns Scotus and William of Occam. Other famous Franciscans include Saint Anthony of Padua; two Renaissance popes, Sixtus IV and Sixtus V; and Junipero Serra, the founder of the California missions.

CONVENT, MONASTERY, SEMINARY, NUNNERY
Stamps: A1984A23, A1996D30.3, A1997B18, A1998J09.2, A1999I032