TWENTY SEVENTH DOCUMENT

SOLEMN BEATIFICATIONS AND CANONISATIONS OF 410 SAINTS, AND OF A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF COMPANIONS IN MARTYRDOM.

We, Supreme Pontiff, Vicar of Christ, Successor of Saint Peter, Servant of the Servants of God, Patriarch of El Palmar de Troya.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, today, with indescribable jubilation, raise to the sublime dignity of the glory of the altars, eminent and distinguished members of the Mystical Body, 410 glorious saints, named and numbered, besides an innumerable and anonymous company of martyrs, whose names and numbers are known only to God.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, present you these saints, solemnly proclaiming their beatification and canonisation, having received the infallible light of the Holy Ghost, having taken into consideration with due estimation and prudence the sense of the Church, and having carefully studied the historical facts that prove the sanctity and heroic virtue of these exalted saints.

We, as Universal teacher and guide of the Church, firmly pledge our word, and declare, proclaim, assure and guarantee the life of sanctity and heroic virtue of these glorious saints.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, exhort you once again to learn from the lives of the Saints, since without doubt their lives are admirable examples for you to revive and increase your faith, which is the faith of the Church, One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. In these excellent models you will find the paths that lead to Christ. These saints all show you the way to attain sanctity.

Again we emphasize this sublime truth: all are called to sanctity. Let no one say: "I cannot attain sanctity, I am not called to such high state, I am content to be saved."

We proceed briefly to explain, using the considerations which follow, the words spoken by Our Lord Jesus Christ:

"Be perfect as My Heavenly Father is perfect". These words of Christ clearly say that we are all called to sanctity. These words of Christ say with perfect clarity that we can all be perfect as is the Heavenly Father. We interpret that the essence of this perfection is to fulfill the will of God. With Christ We say: "He who would be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me".

We, as Universal teacher and guide of the Church, declare that we all can attain sanctity, because God so wishes. And, as it is God who wishes it, He Himself provides the means to attain sanctity. We declare: when one does not attain sanctity, it is because he does not care to do so, and not for want of means.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, teach that it is foolhardy and frightening for one to choose merely to be saved. It is neither lawful nor worthy merely to resign oneself to be saved, because God asks much more than that. God asks us to be perfect, and precisely by perfection is sanctity attained.

We interpret that when Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Be perfect as My Heavenly Father is perfect, He intended, and in truth He said: "Be saints".

We wish to exhort you, beloved children, that you meditate deeply on the state of perfection, that you reflect prayerfully over the various heavenly mansions.

We wish to teach this sublime and beautiful truth: it is lawful and agreeable in the eyes of God to aspire to the highest heavenly mansions. Of course, these aspirations ought to be solidly rooted in the deepest longing to be nearer to God, in order to love and serve Him all the more. Then, in consequence of this greater love and service, we shall know God more deeply than others do. And in consequence of this deeper knowledge of God, we shall receive a greater degree of glory.

We, as Pope and mystic, a Pope who knows something of the mystical city of God, look for words to let you feel, as we feel, the profundity of the heavenly mansions. We long to be able to express with eloquence sublime, all that the Lord, in his infinite mercy, has desired to show Us.

We tell you and insist, dearly beloved children, you must aspire to the highest mansions in Heaven. Beloved, children, We hope and desire to attain the highest heavenly dwellings. We tell you, beloved children, not to confuse the two words, "aspire", and "merit". We say that we aspire to the highest heavenly places, but we cannot say that we merit them. We know only too well that we merit Hell everlasting. We know that in Hell also, there are different dwellings. We are fully aware that in our past life, We offended God: how much, you could hardly imagine. In the years of Our youth, on many occasions, we gave Ourself up to sin, with all the burning zeal of our fiery temperament.

We desire that, as God wishes, you and later generations know that in the past we committed offences abominable in the eyes of God.

At times we have sinned by pride, but thanks be to God, on few occasions.

On very few occasions have we sinned by vanity.

On various occasions we have sinned out of envy; but these could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Very many times have we sinned out of gluttony, for which we are now undergoing purification. We have had great fondness, and even devotion, for good food and drink. Naturally this is something hereditary for a Spaniard. That is why we often say that in Purgatory there must be many Spaniards, there to be purified from gluttony.

We have sinned, though very rarely, from sloth; since, thanks be to God, We have always tried to be diligent. Without doubt, this grace corresponds to the Spanish character, since this race has always been hard-working. The virtue being hereditary, we have not had a hard struggle.

We have sinned through impurity to the very limits of satiety. We look for a veil thick enough to cover the infamous impurities we have committed.

We, in earlier years, and even later, with frequency gave ourselves up to sins of impurity with all passion and fire. Many times we fell to the depths of the vilest and most repugnant passions.

We desire to say that never could We pretend to merit the highest heavenly abodes. On the contrary, we merit the deepest pit in Hell.

We know that in spite of our iniquitous past, We are still called to sanctity. We interpret, that those sinners who have passionately devoted themselves to their sins, when once converted, shall devote themselves to perfection with all the passion of an ardent character. Those who, by habitual sin, have fallen to the very depths, but who by sincere conversion zealously rededicate themselves, as is logical to say, attain to high degrees of sanctity.

We, as Universal father of the Church, address our words not only to you who are living in the grace of God, but also, and with more vigour, to those who live in the sad state of sin.

We, who represent Christ on earth, in the name of Christ, with fear, even with joy, We say these words: In the name of Christ, We direct the word of the Supreme Pastor of the flock to you sinners, to you who are living a life of constant sin, and we say: Reflect and consider the infinite offences which you commit against God. Meditate on the Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where precisely you can find your salvation if only you go to the Most Precious Blood poured out on the Cross. In that Blood you will find the life-giving infusion which will wash away your iniquities. If certainly you feel shame for your sins, do not carry the shame too far. You must remember that Satan will try everything to keep you from conversion, even to convince you that for you there is no salvation. In the name of Christ, We say to you sinners: Also for you, and in Christ's name, We are a father. Come to Us, Our arms are open, if you sincerely repent and give yourselves up to Christ. We speak yet more to you hardened sinners: Consider that if you sincerely change your life, Our Lord Jesus Christ will not regard your past sins. Rather he will cover them with a thick veil, which is the mantle of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother. And, what more natural, your Mother too, since the Virgin Mary is Co-Redemptrix. She is the exalted Woman on Calvary, who stood at the foot of the Cross. She is the loving Mother who in spirit suffered the Passion of Christ, since all the outrages Christ received in His body, Mary received in her spirit. The Most Holy Virgin Mary, Co-Redemptrix of mankind, is Mother of all mankind; but, mystery it is that not all men are her children. We desire to express the depth of this mystery of the maternity of the Virgin Mary. All know that Our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross in order to reconcile mankind with the Heavenly Father, thus to open the way to the mansions of Heaven. Thus is clearly seen, that Our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross for all men. Nevertheless, in Holy Mass, we say the words 'for many". While in fact it is true that Christ died for all men, it is equally true that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is for the salvation of "many" men. Because, although Christ died for all men, there are many who are condemned to the eternal fire of Hell, Whence they shall never escape. From this terrible and amazing truth, it is understood that those who reject the saving work of Redemption condemn themselves. It must not be forgotten that God respects human liberty, and that he who so chooses, condemns himself.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, have just reminded you of this doctrine in order to grasp the deep mystery of the Virgin Mary in her exalted prerogative of Mother of mankind. It is clear and infallible truth, that the Most Holy Virgin, being the second Eve, is Mother of all mankind. But it is also clear and manifest, that not all men are sons of the exalted heavenly Mother, the Virgin Mary. However, this is not because She is not the Mother, rather it is because they reject her. By this it is understood that those who reject for themselves the exalted maternity of Mary, are unnatural children, and, not having Mary for their Mother, they have not God for their Father.

We say to you hardened sinners in the Name of Christ: Go to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God and tender Mother of men, because she is the Refuge of Sinners. Try and be convinced. We teach that all sinners who approach the Virgin Mary will find Jesus full of mercy, not forgetting that the Holy Mantle of the Virgin Mary is a thick wall that, once you have truly repented and confessed to the priest, conceals your past iniquities from the eyes of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We think that the Lord, in his infinite mercy, has chosen that wretched sinner called Clemente Dominguez y Gomez, and raised him to the most exalted dignity of Supreme Pontiff of the Church, with the name of Gregory XVII, in order that, in this way, many sinners might have the opportunity to be reconciled with God; since this Pope who is speaking to you, knows only too well what is human weakness, what are those moments of anguish in a life of sin, cut off from God. This Pope who addresses you, knows that fearful goad in his own flesh.

We paternally address all: Beloved children, We believe that now you understand the reasons why we do not greatly desire to recover our eyes. Beloved sons, reflect deeply on this: when We had eyes, we were given up to the terrible passions of the flesh, falling deeper and deeper into the depths of Hell. We wish also to say that since the loss of Our eyes, day by day and moment by moment, We are overcoming our sins.

We say with great joy and at the same time with deep sorrow: blessed blindness, secure path and sure way to sanctity.

We speak out boldly and trust in God's infinite mercy: a thousand times blessed that hour sublime when we lost those vile and loathsome eyes, that sinned so much and caused others to sin.

We also wish to say that we ardently desire the miracle of sight, if in that God be glorified, and Our eternal salvation not prejudiced. This We say, that all may know: we surrender Ourself entirely to God's will. Let that be done which is best for the Church.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, give you these admirable saints, among whom you will meet martyrs of all the ages. You will find martyrs of various times when the Holy Church of God was cruelly persecuted. You will find martyrs of various nations, tongues, races and social classes, - all of which confirms the catholicity, the sanctity, the apostolicism, and the unity of the one only true Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ, who entrusted to Peter the Keys, which through the line of his legitimate successors have reached Our hands.

We wish to point out that besides the 410 saints who are named, there is an innumerable and anonymous multitude, whose names are inscribed in letters of gold in the glorious book of martyrs and saints of the Church of God.

We give you these glorious martyrs of various times, nations and races, who, in apparent diversity, all have a lineage in common, that of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace of Baptism, confirmed in the shedding of blood at their glorious martyrdom. In the Holy Church of God, known as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic, howbeit extended throughout all nations, all continents, in variety of tongue, race and culture, there in only one nation, which we know as a priestly nation, a royal people. Naturally this noble quality is fulfilled principally in the ministerial priesthood, although in a secondary manner it is found through the grace of Baptism in the common priesthood of the faithful. Through the Sacraments, the ministerial priesthood pours a sweet flow of supernatural life over the common priesthood.

We desire to teach the whole Church to consider and esteem the saints above national boundaries, since in the Church Triumphant, which is in Heaven, there are no nationalities, nations, tongues, races or other differences. There the dwellings are appointed through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His sorrowful Passion, with the merits of the Virgin Mary Co-Redemptrix, and with our own works,- that co-operation that God requires. Those merits were acquired on earth, not by this nation or that, but by those who fulfilled God's will in the position precisely where God placed them.

We teach you: Beloved children, the most important thing in the lives of the saints is not their nationality, their race, language or social class, - but their life of heroic virtue dedicated to God.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, declare infallibly: If one loves his country more than Christ, let him be anathema.

We interpret under the sweet inspiration of the Holy Ghost, this word of Christ:

'He who loves father, mother, spouse, children, and so forth, more than Me, is not worthy of the kingdom of heaven.' If this word, terrible yet admirable, Christ speaks referring to our own family, what will He say about a portion of earth?- earth which, like all this terrestrial sphere, is reserved for fire, as the Prince of the Apostles declares.

We, in Christ's name, declare to all nations, without any exception: Christ and His Church are above all the nations. From this truth, it is understood that each and every member is obliged before God to serve in the place where he is sent by the representative of Christ on earth. All the members of the Holy Church of God are true brothers, much more profoundly so than are those who form the natural members of a nation, and even more so than those who are natural sons of a family. This brotherhood of the children of the Church is not merely symbolical, rather it is mystical, and in this mystical truth are included body and soul of the members,- since the Church, or rather the members of the Church, are nourished by the Holy Eucharist, in which, through the profound mystery of transubstantiation, Our Lord Jesus Christ is really present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Reflect and meditate on this truth. The members of the Church certainly became brothers first on being baptized, being made children of God. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we have the truly authentic food the soul needs in order to live. Given that we receive the Eucharist with due reverence and dignity, which contains the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, what greater brotherhood than to be nourished with the very Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ? What blood is better than that of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? From this certain doctrine is understood this truth: He who is not capable, or has not the courage, or the true love for God, to abandon, for love of Christ, father, mother, spouse, children, country, riches and all else, is not worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, ask you to reflect and meditate on the heroic lives of the other group of saints, who, without martyrdom, had another mission, be they clerics, religious, founders, kings, rulers, workers in various crafts,- to attain sanctity in the place where God had put them.

Not to extend this document, we let these admirable saints speak for themselves, through the brief resumes of their heroic lives, with which they beautifully adorned the Church of God.

We continue the holy project of beautifying the Holy and Mystical Olive Tree with these lively fresh olives. We ardently desire that their rich oil enter your veins, that you attain the degrees of holiness, which they attained by the infinite mercy of God.

We inform you that up to the present, the Saints we have by name raised to the glory of the altars, are 1,476 in number; and to those saints known by name, are added in the present document more than 11,000 anonymous martyrs. However, in subsequent documents, God willing, we shall continue from the number 1,1476, leaving to God to count the anonymous martyrs.

We, with the authority with which we are vested, determine the following:

We declare the Virgin Mary under her Most sweet title of "Our Crowned Mother of Palmar", Exalted and Universal Patroness of the whole Church.

We, in the name of Christ, promise solemnly that in all nations where is professed very special devotion to Our Crowned Mother of Palmar, there the Faith will be conserved until the consummation of the ages. Thus we extend the promise of the Virgin of the Pillar, given to the Apostle Saint James in Saragossa for the protection of Spain.

We determine that a necessary condition for attaining this promise is to have very special devotion to Our Crowned Mother of Palmar, in preference to all images of the Virgin Mary, and naturally to propagate and spread abroad her pictures, statues, medals, and so forth, making known the promise, and bravely declaring everywhere that We, Gregory XVII, are the true Vicar of Christ on earth.

We establish the universal feast of Our Mother of Palmar Crowned on the 30th of March of each year, the day on which her blessed apparition is commemorated. We establish also a second universal feast on the 11th of September, the day before the enthronement of her Sacred Image in El Palmar de Troya.

We grant all the faithful who daily recite 12 invocations to Our Crowned Mother of Palmar, a plenary indulgence, to be gained each day, on the usual conditions.

We, in the name of Christ, promise a most special and singular protection of the Mother of God over the house where her image is worthily enthroned, - particularly during the coming days of chastisements, darkness, wars, and so forth.

We grant an extraordinary Plenary Indulgence to those who in the hour of death kiss the hands of the blessed image of Our Crowned Mother of Palmar. This maximal indulgence is granted to all the dying who desire to fulfill the conditions, but are not physically able to.

We, in the name of Christ, designate the blessed Image of Our Crowned Mother of Palmar the powerful shield and emblem, special sign of eternal predestination.

We establish in perpetuity for the Universal Church, a Novena in honour of Our Crowned Mother of Palmar, preceding the Feast of the 11th September.

We have chosen the 11th September as Feast of Our Crowned Mother of Palmar, respecting the great tradition of the 12th, Feast of the Sweet Name of Mary.

We, as Vicar of Christ on earth, establish the Feast of the Translation of the See of Saint Peter from Rome to El Palmar de Troya, coinciding with Our return from the journey to America, where we had been elected and crowned Pope by Our Lord Jesus Christ, transferring the Apostolic See to El Palmar, on pilgrimage towards Jerusalem. The edifice will be finished in the place where it was begun. This Feast will be celebrated on the 9th August of each year, with proper Mass and Preface.

We establish the following and proclaim Our Lady of Perpetual Succour to be exalted Patroness of the See of Saint Peter.

We establish the Feast of the Sweet Name of Saint Joseph, to be on the 12th June each year, with proper Mass.

We give you now the outstanding historical details of the sanctity and heroic virtues of the saints we have today raised to the glory of the altars:

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS

The following martyrs gave their lives for the Catholic Faith during the last years of the reign of the apostate queen, Elizabeth I of England, who had declared the Pope to be her mortal enemy. This accursed queen, with help of Parliament, promulgated laws ever more severe against the Catholics, especially the priests, making out of the least show of the Catholic religion, treason, to be punished by death. Many of these martyrs were priests, who left their country to study and be ordained abroad, returning as missionaries with zeal for martyrdom, which they endured with joy and fortitude.

1. Saint George Nichols, martyr.

2. Saint Richard Yaxley, martyr. The first was a native and a student of Oxford, a convert and a missionary priest of great virtue and learning. During the 6 years of his priestly apostolate he gained many conversions. The second, born in Boston (Lancs), was also a missionary priest, having been ordained at Rheims in 1586. Arrested together with two laymen in Oxford, they were subjected to interrogation; acknowledging their priesthood, they were declared traitors and blasphemers. They were brought to London tied to their horses, suffering the abuse of the crowds along the way. Here they were interrogated again, and tortured to make them reveal names of other Catholics,- but in vain. Sent back to Oxford in the same way as they had come, they were tried and condemned to death. Offering their lives for the conversion of England, they died with great joy on the 5th July, 1589. Their heads, exposed in the city, appeared extraordinarily beautiful, and several wild heretics were, incited to disfigure them with knives. They had previously been declared Venerable.

3. Saint Thomas Belson, martyr.

4. Saint Humphrey Pritchard, martyr. The first was a gentleman from Brill (Oxford), a spiritual son of Saint George Nichols. The second was a Welsh servant, who for 12 years had given great service to the Catholic cause. They were arrested with the two martyr priests mentioned above, and were condemned for having assisted them. They were hanged shortly after the execution of the priests, 5^th July, 1589, in Oxford. They had previously been declared Venerable.

5. Saint William Spenser, martyr. Born in Yorkshire, he was a missionary priest, ordained at Rheims in 1583. His martyrdom took place on the 24th September, 1589, in York. He had previously been declared by the Church, Venerable.

6. Saint Robert Hardesty, martyr. A layman, he was condemned for harbouring Saint William Spenser. He was hanged with the priest, 24th September, 1589, in York. Previously Venerable.

7. Saint Christopher Bales, martyr. Born in Coniscliffe (Durham), he studied at Rome and at Rheims, being ordained priest in 1587. The following year he returned to England as missionary, and after some time was arrested by the heretic authorities, suffering great cruelty. Declared guilty of treason, he was barbarously executed, 4th March, 1590, in Fleet Street, London. Beatified in 1929.

8. Saint Nicholas Horner, martyr.

9. Saint Alexander Blake, martyr. These two layman saints were condemned for assisting Saint Christopher Bales. The first was born in Grantley (Yorkshire), the second was a London groom. The night before the martyrdom, Saint Nicholas observed a crown over his head whilst he was praying for over an hour, which gave him much consolation. He had been previously imprisoned for the Faith, suffering the loss of a leg. Both martyrs were hanged at the same time as the priest they had helped, but each in a different part of London, 4th March, 1590. Previously Venerable.

10. Saint Miles Gerard, martyr.

11. Saint Francis Dickenson, martyr. The first was born in Ince (Lancs), and was ordained at Rheims in 1583. The second was born in Otley (Yorks), and was ordained in 1589, also at Rheims. They were sent to England in August, 1589, where their ship ran aground at Kent during a storm. Suspected as priests, they were arrested and condemned, and executed 30th April, 1590, in Rochester (Kent). Beatified by Saint Pius XI, Magnus.

12. Saint Edward Jones, martyr.

13. Saint Anthony Middleton, martyr. The first was from North Wales, the second from Yorkshire. Both were priests of Douay, exercising their ministry in London, where they were esteemed for their zeal. Denounced by spies who pretended to be Catholics, they were arrested, and without trial were barbarously executed at the doors of their respective lodgings. They died offering their lives to God for the conversion of England, 6th May, 1590. Previously beatified.

14. Saint Edmund Duke, martyr.

15. Saint Richard Hill, martyr.

16. Saint John Hogg, martyr.

17. Saint John Holiday, martyr. Saint Edmund Duke was from Kent, seminarian at Rheims and at Rome, ordained in 1589. The other three were from Yorkshire, ordained in France 23rd September, 1589. The four martyrs entered England together, and traveling in the North, were suspected to be priests, arrested, condemned and martyred together, 27th May, 1590, in Durham, to the edification of the spectators. Previously Venerable.

18. Saint Robert Thorpe, martyr. He was born in Yorkshire, and ordained in the Seminary at Rheims, in 1585. This holy priest worked very fruitfully for 6 years. The day before Palm Sunday were brought palms for the ceremony. A malevolent neighbour observed this and informed the authorities, who promptly arrested Saint Robert and the owner of the house. He was martyred 31st May, 1591, in York. Previously Venerable.

19. Saint Thomas Watkinson, martyr. Yeoman of Menthorpe (Yorks), he was hanged for harbouring Saint Robert Thorpe, 31st May, 1591. Previously Venerable.

20. Saint Mountford Scott, martyr.

21. Saint George Beesley, martyr. The first was born of a gentleman's family in Norfolk, and was ordained at Douay in 1577. The second, who was born in Goosnargh (Lancs), and ordained in 1587 at Rheims, was young and strong, but torture and prison had completely destroyed his health. Condemned for their priesthood, they were executed 2nd July, 1591, in Fleet Street, London. Saint Mountford Scott had led an exemplary life of prayer and mortification, and when he was stripped of his clothes during the martyrdom, it was observed that his knees were hardened by prayer. Previously Venerable.

22. Saint Roger Dickenson, martyr.

23. Saint Ralph Milner, martyr. Saint Roger was born in Lincoln, and was ordained at Rheims in 1583. Condemned for his priesthood, he was killed 7th July, 1591, in Winchester. Saint Ralph, who was martyred at the same time and place, was born in Slackstead (Hants), and was condemned for harbouring Saint Roger. The faithless judge counseled him to go only once to the protestant church, and so save his life for the good of his family. But the martyr replied: "Does your Lordship then advise me, for the perishable trifles of this world, or for a wife and children, to lose my God? No, my Lord, I cannot approve a counsel so opposed to the Holy Gospels." Both were beatified in 1929.

24. Saint Brian Lacy, martyr.

25. Saint John Mason, martyr.

26. Saint Sidney Hodgson, martyr. These three holy martyrs were laymen, the first from Brockdish (Norfolk), the second from Kendal (Westmorland), the third was a convert. The three were condemned for harbouring priests, and hanged together with other holy martyrs 10th, December, 1591, in Tyburn, London. Previously beatified.

27. Saint William Pike, martyr. A joiner of Moors (Christchurch, Hants), he was barbarously executed for denying the ecclesiastical supremacy of the apostate queen, Elizabeth I; the martyrdom took place on 22nd December, 1591, in Dorchester. Previously Venerable.

28. Saint William Patenson, martyr. Born in Durham, he was ordained at Douay in 1507. Arrested and condemned for being a priest, he was jailed with 7 criminals, to whom he preached repentance for their sins, and conversion to God and His Church. Six of them were converted, and died the following day as good Catholics. This infuriated the executioners, who then murdered Saint William with great cruelty, drawing and quartering him still alive and conscious, 22nd January, 1592, at Tyburn, London. Beatified in 1929.

29. Saint Thomas Pormort, martyr. Born in Lincolnshire, he was seminarian at Rheims and at Rome, being ordained in 1587. He was cruelly tortured to make him reveal the names of other Catholics, without avail. Accused of various acts of treason, he was martyred in Saint Paul's churchyard, London, on the 21^st February, 1592. Previously Venerable.

30. Saint Richard Williams, martyr. Priest from the days of Mary Tudor, now aged, he was barbarously martyred for being reconciled with Rome, February 21st, 1592, at Tyburn (London). Previously Venerable.

31. Saint James Bird, martyr. A layman and a convert, he had been a seminarian at Douay for a time. Arrested in his native city of Winchester, he was offered his freedom if only he would attend a protestant church once. His own father begged him to save his life. However, the saint replied that he would only obey his father, if in so doing he would not offend God. He was barbarously executed, 25th March, 1593, in Winchester, at the age of 19. Beatified in 1929.

32. Saint Roger Ashton, martyr. A layman from Croyston (Lancs), he was executed for having obtained from Rome a dispensation to permit him to marry a cousin, 23rd June, 1592, at Tyburn, London. Previously Venerable.

33. Saint Edward Waterson, martyr. Born of a protestant family of London, he was reconciled with the Church while traveling on the continent. He became a seminarian at Rheims, where he was a model of penance and Christian virtue. He was ordained in 1592, and returning to England, he was arrested and condemned to death. He was being dragged to the scaffold tied to a hurdle, drawn by horses, when of a sudden the hurdle stopped, and could not be moved, even by the addition of more horses. Thus they were obliged to lead the martyr on foot to the place of execution, where he offered his life for God and the conversion of England, receiving the crown of martyrdom 8th January, 1593, in Newcastle. Beatified in 1929.

34. Saint Anthony Page, martyr. He was born of a gentleman's family of Harrow (Mddx), and as a seminarian at Rheims he was beloved by all for his gentle and ingenuous character. Sent on the mission to England in 1592, he was imprisoned; after great sufferings he received the crown of martyrdom, 20th April, 1593, in York. Previously Venerable.

35. Saint Joseph Lambton, martyr. Born in Malton (Yorkshire), he was seminarian both at Rheims and at Rome. Ordained in 1592, he went to receive the blessing of Saint Philip Neri before leaving for England, as was the custom of those valiant missionaries. He was condemned on account of his priesthood soon after arriving, and the executioner having begun his work, could not complete it for the horror he felt. After great suffering, the martyr died, 24th July, 1592, in Newcastle, in the sight of friends and relations. Previously Venerable.

36. Saint William Davies, martyr. Born of a good family in Croes (Caernarvon, Wales), he was ordained at Rheims in 1585, and as a zealous and fervent missionary converted many souls in his own country during a period of 6 years. He was arrested with 4 companions who aspired to the priesthood, and acknowledged himself to be a priest. In the prison of Beaumaris he gradually acquired greater freedom, and attracted many who sought confession, counsel and consolation. Thus there came to be a good number in those parts who dared to profess themselves Catholics. Condemned for his priesthood, he was taken to Ludlow where the most learned Protestants disputed with him to their own confusion. Passing through different prisons, he eventually returned to Beaumaris, where his four companions had remained. Within the prison they formed a religious community, with Mass, horarium, and so forth. Six months passed in this way, with opportunities for escape. Eventually Saint William received the sentence of death, but the execution could not at first be carried out, since he was greatly venerated by the people, and no executioner could be found, nor could they obtain the things necessary. An executioner having been hired from some distance away, the martyr died 27th July, 1593, in Beaumaris, Anglesey. The executioner was himself executed the following year; the constable who arrested the Saint soon contracted a repugnant disease and died; another prosecutor lost all his wealth and, despised by all, was heard of no more.

37. Saint John Speed, martyr. A layman born in Durham, who, for harbouring priests, was hanged 4th February, 1594. His cult was confirmed in 1929.

38. Saint William Harrington, martyr. Born in Mount Saint John (Yorkshire), ordained at Rheims in 1592, he was martyred at Tyburn, 18th February, 1594. Beatified in 1929.

39. Saint John Cornelius, martyr. Born in Bodmin of an Irish family, he was ordained in Rome in 1583. As missionary for ten years, he bore great fruits. A fine preacher, he practised great mortification, and received mystical graces in prayer. Condemned for his priesthood, he was martyred in Dorchester, 4th July, 1594. He had been admitted into the Society of Jesus a few months previously; he died offering his life for the conversion of the persecutors. Beatified in 1929.

40. Saint Thomas Bosgrave, martyr.

41. Saint John Carey, martyr.

42. Saint Patrick Salmon, martyr. These three laymen were arrested with Saint John Cornelius in Cornwall. The first was nephew to the lady of the house, and was arrested for having offered his hat to the saint when he was being taken away. The other two, from Dublin (Ireland), were servants in the house. The three were condemned for assisting Saint John Cornelius. When they placed the rope around the neck of Saint John Carey, he exclaimed: "Oh, precious collar!". The three martyrs exhorted the crowd to embrace the Catholic Faith. They were martyred shortly before Saint John Cornelius, 4th July, 1594, in Dorchester. Beatified in 1929.

43. Saint John Ingram, martyr. Born of gentle family of Stoke Edith (Hereford), he was expelled from Oxford for having become Catholic. Seminarian at Rheims and Rome, he was ordained in 1589. Arrested in the North of England, he was subjected to terrible torture, but could not be brought to divulge any names. From prison he wrote to his spiritual children several letters worthy of a confessor of the Faith. Martyred in Gateshead, 26th July, 1594. Previously beatified.

44. Saint_George Swallowell, martyr. Born in Shadforth (Durham), he had been a protestant minister until his conversion, which came about through a conversation with a Catholic imprisoned for his faith. A few days later, he ascended his pulpit publicly to confess his error. He was arrested, imprisoned for a year, and cruelly killed, 26th July, 1594, in Darlington. Previously Blessed.

45. Saint Edmund Osbaldeston, martyr. Born in Osbaldeston (Lancs), of good family, he was ordained at Rheims in 1585. Offering his life to God for the strengthening of the Church, he received the crown of martyrdom, 16th November, 1594, in York. Previously Venerable.

46. Saint Alexander Rawlins, martyr. He was a gentleman born in Gloucestershire, ordained in France in 1590, who worked as missionary for 4 years in England until he was captured by the persecutors. Drawn to the scaffold on the same hurdle as the Jesuit martyr Saint Henry Walpole, he took his place on the left, saying that he was leaving the more honourable place for his betters. With the name of Jesus on his lips, he died for God and for the conversion of England, 7th April, 1595, on the outskirts of York. Previously beatified.

47. Saint William Freeman, martyr. Born in Yorkshire, he was ordained at Rheims in 1590. Martyred in Warwick, 13th August, 1595. Blessed.

48. Saint George Errington, Martyr.

49. Saint William Knight, martyr.

50. Saint William Gibson, martyr. The first was a gentleman born in Hurst (Northumberland). The second was son of a wealthy yeoman of South Duffield (Yorkshire), and the third was a farmer of Ripon (Yorks). All were prisoners in York castle, where a protestant minister, who had committed some crime, in order to regain favour with the authorities, pretended an interest in the Catholic Faith; when he had obtained evidence against the martyrs, he denounced them, and they were condemned for "persuading to the Catholic Faith". They suffered martyrdom in York, 29th November, 1596. Previously Venerable.

51. Saint Henry Abbot, martyr. A layman from Howden (E. R. Yorks), to whom the three martyrs above had directed the protestant spy, believing this latter to have sincere interest in the Church. Saint Henry Abbot took steps to put him in contact with a priest, and shortly after was denounced to the authorities. He was martyred 4^th July 1597, in York,. Previously beatified.

52. Saint Christopher Robinson, martyr. Born in Woodside (Cumberland), he was ordained at Rheims in 1592. He was missionary in his own country, until finally he was arrested by his persecutors. The so-called Anglican bishop of Carlisle, also named Robinson, tried with gentleness and promises to persuade the holy martyr to accept the protestant religion. In vain. Condemned to death, he displayed during his martyrdom serenity and good humour, obtaining several conversions. Executed in Carlisle, 19^th August, 1598. Previously Venerable.

53. Saint William Andleby, martyr. Born of a family of substance in Etton (E.R. Yorks), he was brought up in the protestant religion, having antipathy for Catholicism. He had studied the Bible and considered himself a competent controversialist. Traveling on the Continent, he visited the seminary of Saint William Allen in Douay and tried to persuade the saint that his faith was absurd. Nevertheless, it was he who, after several days of discussion, remained silent and confounded. In this state of mind, he declared that he was going to the wars and marched out, while the holy founder promised to have recourse to prayer, since the discussions had not moved his hardened heart. The following day, Saint William Andleby arrived at the gate of the seminary, weeping, and begging instruction in the Catholic Faith. He entered the seminary, where he gave edification by his piety and learning. In 1577 he was ordained and departed as missionary to England. In Yorkshire he showed great zeal for souls, bravely facing all dangers in order to minister to the Catholics, especially the poor, practicing great austerity, vigils, fasts and constant prayer. He was condemned for being a priest, and martyred in York, 4^th July 1597, offering his life for God and for the conversion of England. Beatified in 1929.

54. Saint Thomas Warcop, martyr. A layman from Winston (Co. Durham), he was hanged for having harboured Saint William Andleby. Martyred 4^th July, 1597, on the outskirts of York. Beatified by Saint Pius XI the Great.

55. Saint Edward Fulthrop, martyr. A layman from Yorkshire, he received the palm of martyrdom with Saint Thomas Warcop, for having been reconciled with the Catholic Church. Hanged, drawn and quartered, 4^th July, 1597. Beatified in 1929.

56. Saint John Bretton, martyr. A layman from Bretton (Wakefield, Yorks), and a fervent Catholic from his youth, he was obliged to live apart from his family during the greater part of his life on account of the persecutions. Now of advanced age, he was falsely denounced for having spoken ill of Elizabeth I, and was condemned to death. He had been able to save his life by apostasy, but fidelity to the Catholic Faith won him the glorious crown of martyrdom, 1^st April, 1958, in York. Previously Venerable.

57. Saint Peter Snow, martyr. He was born in Ripon (Yorks), and desiring to minister to the persecuted faithful, became a priest at Rheims (France), in 1591. He worked as missionary until 1598 when, traveling to York in company with a layman, he was arrested and condemned for being a priest, and received the crown of martyrdom 15^th June, 1598, in York. Previously Venerable.

58. Saint Ralph Grimston, martyr. A layman from Nidd (W.R. Yorks), was arrested while traveling with Saint Peter Snow, which was why he was condemned. He died with the priest martyr, 15^th June, 1598. Previously Venerable.

59. Saint Richard Horner, martyr. He was born in Bolton Bridge (W.R. Yorks), and studied in the seminary at Douay, being ordained in 1595. The same year he was sent to England, and was condemned for being a priest. After great suffering in prison, he was executed 4^th September, 1598, in York. Previously Venerable.

60. Saint John Lion, martyr. This holy layman was condemned for denying the spiritual supremacy of Elizabeth I. He was hanged, drawn and quartered, 13^th August, 1598, in Exeter, and his grave has been adorned with miracles. Previously Venerable.

61. Saint James Dowdall, martyr. A merchant from Waterford (Ireland), he had denied the spiritual supremacy of Elizabeth I. He was hanged, drawn and quartered, 13^th August, 1598, in Exeter, and his grave has been adorned with miracles. Previously Venerable.

62. Saint Christopher Wharton, martyr. Born in Middleton (Yorkshire), he studied at Oxford, where he later held a professorship. Moved by divine grace, he was converted and abandoned all to become a seminarian at Rheims, future missionary and possible martyr. Ordained 31^st March, 1584, he returned to England two years later. The 14 years of his mission, he was known for his humility, charity and many virtues. He was taken prisoner in the Castle of York. At his so-called trial, there was heard nothing but calumnies and blasphemies against the Catholic Church. As there was no proof or witness to show the year of his ordination, there could be no condemnation, until the judge himself turned witness and lied. He was offered freedom, advancement, etc., at the price of apostasy, but the holy martyr remained firm, offering his life for God and for the Church, 28^th March, 1600, in York. Previously declared venerable.

63. Saint Thomas Sprott, martyr.

64. Saint Thomas Hunt, martyr. The first was born in Sohelsmere (Kendal, Westmorland) of a deeply Catholic family. A seminarian at Douay, he was ordained in 1596, when he returned to England. The second was born in Norfolk, and was ordained at the English College in Seville. Returning to England, he suffered imprisonment in Wisbeach Castle, but had contrived to escape. In Lincoln, the two holy martyrs were arrested by police, whilst these were searching for robbers. The martyrs acknowledged their Catholic faith, and they were denounced as priests, although without proof. Found guilty by the express direction of the judge, the saints gave thanks to God. Various protestant ministers tried to argue with them, but were silenced and confounded. The persecutors then had recourse to their more efficacious arguments of cord, knife and fire; the holy martyrs offered their lives to God for the conversion of England, 11^th July, 1600, in Lincoln. Very soon, the judge received his own sentence, when, on horseback close by his house, he fell dead to the ground in a strange manner, with his brains extruding through mouth and nose, and with other strange wounds, though without any sign of external violence.

65. Saint Robert Nutter, martyr. Brother of Saint John Nutter, martyr of 1584, he was born in Lancashire and ordained in Rheims in 1581. He was imprisoned in the infamous Tower of London in 1584, and tortured there for several months. In 1585, the holy martyr together with many other priests, was exiled; before leaving, they declared their intention of returning at once in order to fulfill their priestly mission. So it was, and in 1587 Saint Robert Nutter was again imprisoned, now in Wisbeach Castle, for 13 years, until he contrived to escape. He was arrested a third time, and executed in Lancaster, 26^th July, 1600. Previously Venerable.

66. Saint Edward Thring, martyr. Born of an ancient family of Hurst (York), he was seminarian at Rheims and at Rome, ordained 20^th December, 1590, becoming mater of Hebrew and Greek, as well as professor of rhetoric at Rheims. A model of meekness and mortification, he endured patiently a painful affliction of the knee. In 1597 he returned to England where, after three years of a fruitful apostolate, he was captured by the persecutors. From Lancaster Castle, he writes to Douay, closing with these words: “From my prison and paradise, this last day of May, 1600.” And again: “Before this most happy death.” He was martyred with Saint Robert Nutter, 26^th July, 1600. Previously Venerable.

67. Saint Thomas Palasor, martyr. He was born in Ellerton-upon-Swale, in York country, and became a seminarian in Rheims, later Valladolid, where he was ordained in 1596. He returned to England and was arrested in 1600, together with the master of the house where he was staying, his spouse, and another layman. Condemned for being a priest, he received the crown of martyrdom 9^th August, 1600, in Durham. Previously Venerable.

68. Saint John Norton, martyr.

69. Saint John Talbot, martyr. Saint John Norton was the master of the house where the priest Saint Thomas Palasor was lodging, in Ravensworth, Durham. His spouse was arrested and condemned with him, but was exempted for being pregnant. Saint John Talbot of Thornton-le-Street (N.R. Yorks) was arrested for being in the company of the priest. They could have saved their lives by going to a protestant church, but they preferred the crown of martyrdom, which they received, 9^th August 1600, in Durham, offering their lives to God for the conversion of England.

70. Saint John Pibush, martyr. Born in Thirsk (N.R. Yorks), he was ordained in Rheims in 1587. The greater part of his apostolate in England was spent in prison, where for 12 years he endured harsh treatment, filth and deprivation. He lost his health to the degree that at his martyrdom it was observed that his lungs were practically destroyed. Nevertheless, the guards, little by little came to favour him, even to love him. Thus he was able to celebrate Holy Mass in a separate cell, partitioned away from the common jail. He was executed in Southwark, 18^th February, 1601. Beatified by Saint Pius XI, the Great.

71. Saint Mark Barkworth, martyr. He came from Lincolnshire and was converted while traveling on the Continent, becoming a priest at Valladolid. Returning to England, he soon fell into the hands of the enemies of the Faith. At his trial, the holy martyr, illumined by the Holy Ghost, confounded the judge and all the court, so that, before he could confess his guilt, or the jury give its verdict, etc., he was condemned. When they told him he bore the mark of the beast because he was a priest, he replied: “I am a Christian, and on my forehead I bear the sign of the cross. With this sign I am confirmed against Satan and against every heretic and enemy of God. I do not fear your words or threats. I confess and adore one only God, who created me to serve Him. And serve Him I cannot in any other but in the Catholic faith. This faith I profess, and for this faith I now desire to die. . .” As a Benedictine, he went to the scaffold in a habit of the Order which he had managed to procure, as well as the tonsure. He died pardoning his enemies, 27^th February, 1601, in Tyburn. When the executioners probed to cut out his heart, the saint said: “Have mercy on me, Oh God!” He was beatified in 1929.

72. Saint Roger Filcock, martyr. Born in Sandwich (Kent), he studied at Rheims and Valladolid, was ordained, and entered the Society of Jesus. He was condemned on the presumption that he was a priest. Observing the martyrdom of Saint Mark Barkworth, instead of being intimidated, he cried out in the words of the Apostle: “I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ!” He died 27^th February, 1601. Previously Venerable.

73. Saint Thurston Hunt, martyr.

74. Saint Robert Middleton, martyr. The first was born of a family of substance of Carleton Hall near Leeds (Yorkshire), and was ordained in Rheims, 20^th April, 1584. The second, from York City, studied in Rome and Seville, was ordained and entered the Society of Jesus. Both captured at the same time, they were condemned and martyred together at Lancaster, March 1601. Previously Venerable.

75. Saint Nicholas Tichbourne, martyr.

76. Saint Thomas Hackshott, martyr. The first was from Hartley, Hampshire; the second from Mursley, Buckinghamshire. A priest related to Saint Nicholas was imprisoned, and these two holy martyrs planned his escape. The priest escaped, but the two martyrs were seized by the enemies of the Faith. After imprisonment and torture, they died for that Faith, 24^th August, 1601, at Tyburn. Previously Venerable.

77. Saint James Harrison, martyr. From Lichfield, he was ordained at Rheims in 1583, returning as missionary in 1584. He was captured by the persecutors in 1601, and martyred 22^nd March, 1602, on the outskirts of York. Previously Venerable.

78. Saint Anthony Bates, martyr. Farmer from Masham (E.R. Yorks), he was martyred with Saint James Harrison, for harbouring that holy martyr priest, 22^nd March, 1602.

79. Saint Thomas Tichbourne, martyr. From Hartley (Hampshire), he was a seminarian at Rheims and at Rome, ordained in 1592, and was the priest rescued by the two holy martyrs mentioned above. But shortly afterwards, he was taken again by the enemies, and martyred 20^th April, 1602, in Tyburn. Previously Venerable.

80. Saint Robert Watkinson, martyr. Born in Hemingborough (Yorkshire), he was a seminarian at Rheims and at Rome. His health obliged him to be ordained before the ordinary time, 25^th March 1602, and he returned to his country in April. In London he was under medical treatment when, one day, walking with a friend, a venerable old man said to him: “Jesus bless you, sir. You seem to be sick and troubled with many infirmities; but be of good cheer; for within these four days, you shall be cured of all.” The martyr was betrayed the next day by a false Catholic and was executed with 4 days at Tyburn, 20^th April. A Catholic who assisted at a Mass he was able to offer in prison saw a ray of light over his head during the Canon.

81. Saint Francis Page, martyr. He was born in Antwerp (Flanders), of a noble family from Harros (Mddx). Through a young Catholic lady, he came to examine the Catholic religion. Moved by grace, he became a seminarian at Douay, and was ordained in 1600, being sent to England on 10^th June. Betrayed by a Catholic woman, who gained her livelihood by giving information to the authorities, he was condemned for being a priest. The day before his martyrdom, he celebrated Mass in prison, experiencing abundant supernatural joy; later declaring that the Lord had revealed things to him then, which he could never have learned from books. Later he endured terrible desolation of spirit and interior conflict. He recovered peace of spirit when he received notice of the hour of his martyrdom A great concourse of people awaited him, for whom he preached the holiness of the Catholic Faith. He was martyred 20^th April, 1602, together with Saint Thomas Tichbourne and Saint Robert Watkinson. He had recently been admitted into the Society of Jesus. Beatified in 1929.

82. Saint William Richardson, martyr. Born in Vales (W.R. Yorks), he was seminarian in Valladolid and Seville and there ordained in 1594. Condemned for being a priest, he was executed 17^th February, 1603 at Tyburn, London. He was the last martyr under the apostate queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England for 44 years with the approbation of the majority of the people, while the Catholics suffered grievously under her cruel hand.

THE MARTYRS OF CHINA.

The first missionaries who came to China were the Franciscans, towards the close of the XIII^th century. Circumstances did not then permit them to establish permanent missions. Only in the XVI^th century did missionaries again preach the Gospel in the immense country. The Jesuits were the first who established permanent missions, thanks to the prestige they enjoyed for their eminence in science and culture, of such distinguished missionaries as Father Ricci and Father Scholl, as well as others. Later came the Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, Lazarists, the Fathers of the Foreign Missions of Paris, and those of other missionary societies. However, there were only relatively short periods free of danger for the Christians and the missionaries. Bloody persecutions regularly occurred to make martyrs of the faithful Chinese and their priests and missionaries. God alone knows the number of the Christian faithful who during various times of persecution suffered martyrdom, with extraordinary fortitude during the vilest torments and brutality. The numbers are of thousands and thousands. Among the missionaries are the following who have already been beatified:

83. Saint Francisco de Capillas, martyr. This holy Spanish Dominican martyr was born in Valladolid of humble family. At the age of 17 he entered the Dominican Order, and volunteered for the Philippine mission, where he laboured from 1631 to 1642, under the tropical sun of Luzon, regarding this as preparation for the more arduous missions to which he felt himself called. Thus he prepared himself with great austerities, sleeping on a wooden cross during the short hours of rest, exposing himself to the bites of insects. In 1642 he was chosen to accompany Father Francisco Diaz, O.P., to the province of Fu-Kien, China. The holy martyr learned Chinese, and his apostolate was very fruitful, with many conversions. During a revolution, the tartars of Manchuria seized the city of Fogan, where the holy martyr had come to assist his converts. Whereas the mandarins of the earlier administration had shown tolerance towards the Christians, the new rulers brutally opposed the foreign religion. Saint Francisco de Capillas was arrested, cruelly tortured and finally beheaded, 15^th January, 1648. He was beatified in 1909 by Saint Pius X.

84. Saint Louis Gabriel Taurin Dufresse, martyr. One of the most effective missionaries of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. This holy French martyr came to China at the age of 26, working 7 years in the province of Sze-Chuan. He was denounced in 1785, and had to go into hiding. But after a few months, he surrendered to the authorities to avoid the discovery of other missionaries. He was put into the prison of Peking, and then deported to Manila, where he remained 4 years. He returned to Sze-Chuan, accompanied by the vicar apostolic, Mgr. De Saint-Martin. In 1800, he was consecrated Bishop auxiliary of the Vicariate. The following years, he succeeded in charge, administering his district with zeal and completely reorganizing the mission, as required by the number of converts, now increased to 40,000. In 1811 was decreed a new persecution against foreign missionaries, and in May 1815, Saint Louis Gabriel was taken prisoner to the capital of the province. Due to his age, the Mandarins treated him with certain consideration, permitting him to speak freely in his own defence. The holy bishop took the opportunity to defend with ardour the Catholic Faith, which deeply moved all his hearers. Nevertheless, on the 14^th September, the governor condemned him to decapitation, as a warning for the Christians. Still his conduct and his words gave strength to many Christians to die for Christ. He was beatified by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

85. Saint Pedro Sanz, martyr.

86. Saint Francisco Serrano, martyr.

87. Saint Joaquin Royo, martyr.

88. Saint Juan Alcober, martyr.

89. Saint Francisco Diaz, martyr. These 5 Spanish Dominican martyrs from their youth had desired to preach the Gospel amongst the pagans. The head of the expedition, Saint Peter Sanz, was born in Catalonia. In 1714 he was sent to the province of Fukien, where he laboured with much success, and in 1730 became Bishop and vicar apostolic of Fukien. The persecution had broken out in China the previous year, but the holy martyr had contrived with great difficulty to escape. The persecution subsided for a while, only to break out again with greater violence. Influenced by an enemy of the Faith, the Viceroy, also a declared enemy of the Christian religion, decreed very severe measures against Christians, Saint Pedro Sanz, Saint Joaquin Royo, and Saint Juan Alcober were arrested, put in chains and, weakened by hunger, were taken to the city of Fuchow where, by their fortitude during torture, they gained the admiration of their enemies. After a year in the fearful prison, Saint Pedro Sanz was decapitated. His last words to his companions were these: “Be strong and happy to die for keeping the Law of God.” The other 4 holy martyrs were cruelly executed in the prison. Saint Leo XIII beatified them in 1893.

90. Saint Giovanni Lantrua, martyr. Born in 1760, he entered the Franciscan Order at 17. After several years of intense apostolate in Italy, he obtained permission to consecrate the rest of his life to the Chinese mission. In 1798, he left Lisbon for Macao, from where, with many difficulties and dangers, he entered into Central China. There, amidst a furious persecution of the Christians, he strengthened the faith of the vacillating and obtained many conversions. He was denounced to the authorities, all his goods were confiscated, and his chapel burned. To the questions of the judges, he replied with the boldness and resolve of the early martyrs. He was sent on a long and arduous journey to a higher court. He spent 6 months in the prison of Chang-sah, amidst intolerable circumstances, chained about his neck, hands and feet. His tormentors dragged him forcibly over a crucifix, while the saint cried with all his strength that this took place against his will, lest the Christians should think that he had profaned the crucifix. Finally, they condemned him to death by strangulation. Before dying, he prayed fervently and gave all his money to the executioners so that they might not strip him. However, his body was later exposed in infamous manner. He was martyred 7^th February, 1816, and beatified in 1900 by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

91. Saint Francois Regis Clet, martyr. Born in Grenoble (France) in 1748, at 21 he entered the Congregation of the Missions. After being professor of theology and master of novices, he came to China in 1791 at the age of 43, for which reason it was difficult for him to learn Chinese. He laboured for 30 years with untiring zeal to gain souls for Christ in the midst of every kind of obstacle and suffering. For much time he went, as is described in the Epistle to the Hebrews, in anguish and affliction, deprived of everything. The few priests in those parts died or were taken prisoner. Saint Francois Regis Clet lived 3 years altogether alone, losing his health through the climate and sufferings. In 1818, there was another bloody persecution. At first the holy martyr contrived to avoid capture but, betrayed by a neophyte, he was taken prisoner. He was flogged and thrown into a dungeon, starved and, 72 years old, endured other horrible tortures. The firmness of his replies provoked the wrath of the judges, who ordered the soldiers to strike him. Finally he was condemned to die by strangulation, which penalty was not applied in the ordinary manner. The cord was loosened when the victim lost consciousness, and reapplied when he recovered his senses. This was repeated three times before the martyr died, 17^th February, 1820. Beatified in 1900 by Saint Leo XIII, Magnus.

92. Saint Jean Gabriel Perboyre, martyr. Born in France in 1802, at the age of 15 he heard a sermon which inflamed him with a desire to preach to heretics. He entered the Congregation of the Missions, being ordained in 1826. He occupied various posts in the Congregation, those of professor, rector, assistant director of novices, at various houses. In 1835, he was permitted to go to the missions. He learned Chinese in Macao so well that he was able to speak it after only 4 months study. He shaved his head except for a long braided tress, let his moustache grow, adopting the customs of the Chinese whom he wished to win for Christ. In China, the Vincentian Fathers had organized a system for rescuing abandoned children, whose numbers were very great, in order to save their lives and educate them for Christ. The holy martyr took part in this work until 1839, when unexpectedly there broke out a cruel persecution. The missionaries went into hiding, but a neophyte betrayed the holy martyr for precisely thirty pieces of money. He was taken in chains before a succession of officials until at length he was brought before the governor of Wu Chang Fu and his Mandarins. These required him to reveal where his companions were to be found, and to trample on the crucifix. The holy martyr refused both, and there began the martyrdom which lasted a year. On 20 occasions, he was brought before the judges, who tried to make him apostatize and commit sacrilege, applying more and more tortures. Perhaps no martyr has had so much to endure as Saint Jean Gabriel Perboyre. The Chinese genius is renowned for the invention of new methods of inflicting pain without causing death. A Chinese priest who paid to be allowed into the martyr’s cell said that his body was a shapeless mass of open wounds, showing even his bones. The 11^th September, 1840, after almost a year of fearful torture, he was put to death by strangulation together with 5 common criminals. He was beatified in 1885 by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

93. Saint Augustine Chapdelaine, martyr. One of 9 children of a family of farmhands, the saint was born in 1814 near Coutances (France). In 1844, he was ordained and became the pastor of a little parish, accomplishing wonders of apostolic zeal. In 1851, he entered the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, and was sent to China where, in spite of all the dangers, he arrived at his post. In 1854 he was denounced before the Mandarin of his area and spent some days in prison. The Mandarin favoured him and did him no harm, while he returned with renewed zeal to his labours, gaining many conversions. Later, a new Mandarin took charge; the holy martyr again was denounced and imprisoned with several of his block. His bold replies provoked the wrath of the judges, who ordered him to be beaten. The martyr was left half dead by the treatment received. Without having uttered a single complaint, he was restored miraculously to health after 2 days. The mandarin considered the cure to have been due to magic, and the holy martyr was bathed in dogs’ blood to neutralize the spell. The second time he appeared before the judges, he received 300 blows in the face with a heavy leather band, suffering the loss of several teeth and a broken jaw. Finally the judges let him understand that he would be set free for a certain price. The sum was so exorbitant that the faithful were not able to provide it. The judges condemned him to slow death by starvation in a cage. After death, the head was chopped off, and from the neck there issued three streams of blood. This convinced all that there had been something extraordinary in the martyr. He was beatified by Saint Leo XIII the Great, in 1900.

MARTYRS OF THE BOXER REBELLION IN CHINA.

During the second half of the 19^th century, the Chinese missions enjoyed peace and tranquility, thanks to the Treaty of Nankin and other international agreements. It was a period of expansion and great activity. About 1900 was formed an organization of brigands, called ‘boxers’ by the English. These, with the approval of the empress Tseu-Hi, unleashed a cruel persecution against foreigners. The motives were political and commercial, as well as a fierce hatred for the Christian religion. A decree of the governor Yu Hsien states: “The European religion is cruel and vile, holds man in contempt and the people under subjection. All Christians who do not abjure their religion will be executed. Ye Christians, hear and tremble. Forswear that perverse religion! Fear and obey! Boxers do not hate any man. What they hate is his religion.” The missionaries and the Christian Chinese became the principal target of the fanatical boxers. The Christian martyrs numbered thousands, for the most part anonymous. Among them were 5 Bishops, 9 religious, 29 priests, all Europeans, as well as 20 to 30 thousand Catholic Chinese. The following have already been beatified by name:

94. Saint Gregorio Grassi, martyr. Piedmontese from Northern Italy, he belonged to the Order of friars Minor and had laboured in China for 40 years. In 1900 he was, as Vicar Apostolic, visiting a seminary at Taiyanfu, where the governor was a declared enemy of the Christians; the situation steadily worsened, and a lay-brother,

95. Saint Andres Bauer, martyr, from Alsace, who had belonged to a regiment of cuirassiers, whished to organize armed resistance together with the Christian mandarin Li Fu.

96. Saint Francis Fogolia, martyr, was coadjutor of Saint Gregorio Grassi. Born in Tuscany, and likewise a Franciscan, this holy martyr said to Saint Andreas Bauer: “If God calls us to be martyrs, let us accept His will.”

The 27^th June, Saint Gregorio Grassi closed the seminary and ordered the seminarians to return home. Five of them never arrived, as they were arrested at the gates of the city and brought before the prefect, who urged them to abjure their Christian faith. The youths firmly refused and some days later died by the sword. These were:

97. Saint John Chang, martyr.

98. Saint Patrick Chong, martyr.

99. Saint Philip Chang, martyr.

100. Saint John Chang, martyr. (Not the same as 97)

101. Saint John Wang, martyr. Saint Gregory instructed the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, who were under his protection, to dress as women of the region and take flight. But they had no desire to escape and said to the Vicar Apostolic: “Do not prevent us from dying with you. If we are too weak, God will give us the strength we need.” These were:

102. Saint Marie Hermine Grivot, martyr. From France, she had been superior for 15 months. Through her valiant example, she gave heart to her religious to support the terrible trial.

103. Saint Maria Giuliani, martyr. (Italy)

104. Saint Clara Nanetti, martyr. (Likewise from Italy)

105. Saint Marie Saint-Just Moreau, martyr. (France)

106. Saint Natalie Kerguin, martyr. (France)

107. Saint Amandine Jeuns, martyr. (Belgium)

108. Saint Adolfina Dierkx, martyr. (Holland) All were between 25 and 38 years of age. On the 5^th July, the two Bishops and the religious were brought to a house near that of the governor, Yu Hsien, together with the Franciscan Fathers and the lay-brother Saint Andreas Bauer. The Franciscan Fathers were:

109. Saint Elia Facchioni, martyr, from Bologna, Italy. Advanced in years, formerly a seminary professor for 30 years.

110. Saint Theodoric Balat, martyr, from France, of generous character, he spoke Chinese fluently, and had worked for 10 years on a distant and difficult mission.

The 9^th July, the Boxers arrived as Saint Gregorio Grassi was giving the final absolution to his little flock. There was not trial. Yu Hsien himself beheaded the two Bishops. The Sisters knelt and intoned the Te Deum, baring their necks to receive the sword. After they came the two Franciscans and the lay-brothers. Together with these, to offer their lives to Christ, were 9 humble servants of the mission, who had been able to escape but preferred to share martyrdom with the missionaries. These were:

111. Saint Thomas Sen, martyr.

112. Saint Simon Chen, martyr.

113. Saint Peter U’Nganpan, martyr.

114. Saint Francis Chang Yun, martyr.

115. Saint Mathias Fun Te, martyr.

116. Saint James Yen Kutun, martyr.

117. Saint Peter Chang Pannien, martyr.

118. Santiago (Saint James) Siuensin, martyr.

119. Saint Peter Yanol Man, martyr.

Four days later, in the province of Honan, the boxers captured another Franciscan while he was removing the Blessed Sacrament from the altar:

120. Saint Cesidio Giacomantonio, martyr. After brutally beating him, they covered him with oil and slowly burned him. He had come to China 6 months earlier.

In the same province of Honan, the Vicar Apostolic of the southern part, with a companion, was traveling to Hengchowfu. The boxers recognized them coming down the river, made them disembark, and stoned them to death on the bank. They were:

121. Saint Antonio Fantosati, martyr. Vicar Apostolic, who suffered for two hours until he was killed by the thrust of a lance

122. Saint Giuseppi Gambaro, martyr.

All these martyrs of the boxers mentioned above were beatified in 1946 by Saint Pius XII, the Great.

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124. Saint Augustine Chapdelaine, martyr. The fourth of 11 children, he was born in 1863 in the province of Avelino (Italy). At 15, he entered the pontifical seminary of Saints Peter and Paul of the Foreign Missions in Rome. He had lost his father and a sister in an earthquake. Ordained in 1887, he spent some days with his family when an epidemic broke out and he, with the permission of his superiors, remained to assist the sick. His constancy and self-denial gained the recognition of everyone, and he received an award from the government. Saint Leo XIII the Great received him in Rome, and the 2^nd April he left for China, assigned to the apostolic vicariate of Shen-Si. He never withdrew from the fatigues or the hardships. In his provisional lodgings, the misery was extreme. He never felt he was a foreigner, and he studied intensively the problems of cultivating rice, to help bring the Gospel to his people. The numbers of Christians grew, and he built them a church in Hang-Pin-Kouan. In 1900 he was transferred to the region of Ning-Kiang, not yet evangelized. There he was surprised by the Boxer rebellion. Beaten, tortured and dragged by the feet over the stony road, he was finally beheaded, 21^st July, 1900. He was beatified in 1951 by Saint Pius XII, the Great.

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The Jesuit Missions were also target for the boxers.

124. Saint Remi Isore, martyr. From the Diocese of Cambrai (France), where he had been born 22^nd January, 1852.

125. Saint Modeste Andlaner, martyr. Born in Alsace, 22nd May, 1847. These two Jesuit Fathers were killed in their chapel of Ou-Y, 19th June, 1900.

The martyrdom of the two Jesuits mentioned above hastened the flight of the Christians towards the fortified city of Tchou-Kia-Ho, where the following notable martyrdom occurred:

126. Saint Leon Ignace Mangin, martyr. The last of a family of 11 children, he was born near Metz (France). After studying with the Brothers of the Christian Schools and with the Jesuits, he entered the Society of Jesus. Before completing his studies, he was sent to China, where he studied theology and was ordained in 1886. Although he was now ready for the cure of souls, for his other qualities he was appointed administrator of the entire missionary district, which he accepted as God’s will. This office obliged him to protect the interest of 20,000 Christians, whom he defended before the civil authorities, and these, despite their paganism, were not slow to appreciate his amiability and integrity. When news arrived of the death of the two Jesuit fathers Isore and Andlaner, he took refuge in Tchow-Kia-Ho with another Jesuit father:

127. Saint Paul Denn, martyr, born in Lisle (France), 1847.

Tchou-Kia-Ho soon became a haven for the Christians, to the number of some 3,000. The 20^th July, 1900, the boxers overcame the defenders and entered the city. A thousand Christians had taken refuge in the church. The Fathers Mangin and Denn, from the altar, encouraged their flock, terrified as the boxers pushed open the church doors, crying: “Those who come out will be spared.” Saint Leon Ignace Mangin held up the crucifix and said to the faithful: “Let us stay here. What matter now or later? Sooner or later we shall all be in Heaven.” Saint Paul Denn went forward among the faithful, reciting the Confiteor. Father Mangin gave general absolution to all, and the boxers opened fire against the Catholics who remained in the Church.

128. Saint Mary Tchou-Ou-Cheu, martyr, who tried to protect Father Mangin with her own body, and was shot down.

Father Denn, already wounded, knelt before Father Mangin to receive absolution before he was shot dead. Meanwhile, the boxers had set fire to the matting and poles of the roof, and it quickly spread. Father Mangin’s soutane was burning when he was shot at the foot of the altar. At midday the roof fell, and consumed all the bodies with fire. To this largely anonymous group of martyrs are to be added those whom the boxers killed in the streets, houses and surroundings. 56 martyrs have been named and beatified by Saint Pius XII the Great in 1955. These are:

129. Saint Peter Thou-Seu-Sin, martyr, who was told to renounce his faith, and he replied that he could not deny the Creator of the world. He was beheaded.

130. Saint John Baptist Toho-Ou-Joei, martyr, killed with an axe.

131. Saint Mary Fou, martyr, who had taken refuge with her relatives. But these handed her over to her executioners.

132. Saint Barbe Ts’Oei-Lien-Chen, martyr, who tried to flee by night, but was captured by the boxers and was quartered.

133. Saint Joseph Ma-Tien-Choun, martyr, physician and catechist, he had the sorrow of witnessing the apostasy of his family, while he himself remained immovable: “For me the question of denying my religion does not arise. I firmly believe in God. If they wish, let them kill me. I gladly die.”

134. Saint Lucy Wang-Tchen, martyr.

135. Saint Mary Fon-Koun, martyr.

136. Saint Mary Ts’I U, martyr.

137. Saint Mary Tcheng-Su, martyr. These four holy martyrs were young orphans. In the presence of the executioners, they preferred death to dishonour.

138. Saint Tou-Tcha-Cheu, martyr, mother of a Jesuit, had at first escaped, but returned, offering her neck to the sword in order not to betray Christ.

139. Saint Madeleine Tou-Fong-Kui, martyr, and her daughter,

140. Saint Mary Tien-Cheu, martyr. Mother and daughter had hidden in the bamboo fields, where they were discovered by the boxers, who shot them because of their religion. Saint Madeleine was still alive when they threw her into the grave.

141. Saint Raymond Li Tsuan, martyr.

142. Saint Peter Li Tsuan, martyr. These brothers were arrested, and the first was ordered under threats to adore the idols. Refusing, he was cruelly tortured to death with his brother.

143. Saint Theresa Tch’en-Kin-Tsie, martyr.

144. Saint Rosa Tch’en-Kin-Tsie, martyr. They were accosted by boxers who said to them: “If you are afraid to die, come with us and you will be safe.” However, Saint Theresa was not deceived and replied firmly, “I follow Jesus Christ alone.” The two holy martyrs were pierced with lances.

145. Saint Peter Wang-Tsouo-Long, martyr, was led to the idols, but as he proclaimed his faith with perseverance, he was tied by the hair to a post. With his weight, the skin was detached, and with head bleeding he fell to the ground, crying aloud that no one or nothing could separate him from Christ.

146. Saint Mary Kouo-Li-Cheu, martyr. She was 65 and said to her children and grandchildren: “If you apostatize, I will not recognize you as my children. Do not fear, we shall be in heaven very soon.” She contrived to die last in order to encourage them to the end.

147. Saint John Ou-Wen-Yin, martyr. Catechist of Tong-Keou, he was beheaded.

148. Saint Tchang-Hoai-Low, martyr. A catechumen, who would not take the advice to declare that he had not been baptized. He cried out in public: “I am a Christian.” He received baptism of blood.

149. Saint Mark Ki Tien-Siang, martyr. He had for 30 years been denied Communion, because he would not give up the use of opium, but he had never ceased imploring the grace of a happy death. Called before the tribunal, he confessed the faith with valour and washed away his sin in baptism of blood.

150. Saint Anna Nan-Sin Cheu, martyr.

151. Saint Mary Nan-Kouo-Cheu, martyr.

152. Saint Anna Tsiao-Cheu, martyr.

153. Saint Mary Nan, martyr. These four holy martyrs would in no wise be led to practice impiety, and were beaten cruelly to death.

154. Saint Paol Liou-Tsin-Tei, martyr. At the age of 69, he dressed in new garments, took his rosary and prayer book, and when he met the executioners, he greeted them in the Christian manner. When asked: “Are you Christian?” he replied, “We have been Christians for 5 generations.” He was dealt immediately a violent stroke of the saber.

155. Saint Joseph Wang-Koei-Tsu, martyr.

156. Saint John Wang-Koei-Tsu, martyr. These two holy martyrs preferred to die rather than escape at the price of a little lie.

157. Saint Teresa Tchang-Heue-Cheu, martyr. Refused to honour the idols. Was killed by lance with two sons.

158. Saint Lang-Yang-Cheu, martyr, and his son:

159. Saint Paul, martyr. The father, still a catechumen, declared himself Christian, and with his son was put into his house, now turned into a blazing furnace.

160. Saint Elizabeth, martyr, and her son:

161. Saint Simon Tsyn, martyr. For bravely confessing the faith, mother and son were cruelly martyred.

162. Saint Peter Lio-Zeu-U, martyr. He was advised by friends to save his life, but he persevered in faith and died by the sword.

An entire family:

163. Saint Joseph Wang, martyr.

164. Saint Lucy Want, martyr.

165. Saint Anna Wang, martyr.

166. Saint Andrew Wang, martyr. They were arrested, and Saint Anna, 14 years old, declared: “Here I await God’s will, and I am very glad to die.” She was beheaded by a stroke of the sword. A pagan wished to save the little martyr, Saint Andrew, 9 years old, but his mother, Saint Lucy, protested: “If I am a Christian, how can my son not be a Christian? Kill him first, then me.” The lad was killed with a knife; his mother was beheaded.

167. Saint Mary Wang-Li-Cheu, martyr. She resisted the advice of friends, confessed the faith, and at once was killed.

168. Saint K’I-Tohou-Tzeu, martyr. A catechumen who felt the desire to confess the faith and was baptized by blood.

169. Saint You-Fang-Tchaokia, martyr.

170. Saint Mary Tchao-Kouo-Cheu, martyr.

171. Saint Rosa Tchao-Kouo-Cheu, martyr.

172. Saint Maria Tchao-Kouo-Cheu, martyr. These parents and two daughters had hidden in a well but were taken out and killed.

173. Saint Marchand, martyr.

174. Saint Joseph Yuang-Keng-Yin, martyr. Both saints suffered a cruel martyrdom.

175. Saint Paul Keue-T’ing-Tchou, martyr. He was the leader of the Christians of S-Siao-Tooun. While he was slowly tortured to death, he said to the executioner: “Perish my body, but not my soul,” and gave great example of Christian fortitude.

176. Saint Rose Wang Hoei, martyr. She was the schoolmistress. The boxers asked her, “Are you Christian?” She answered, “Yes.” “Will you apostatize?” - She replied, “No.” They cut off her cheeks. The holy martyr remained firm. They cut off an ear. The saint repeated, “No, I will not apostatize. I am a child of God, not a renegade.” Finally, they killed her with the sword and threw the body into a canal.

For 15 months, the city of Tcho-Kia-Ho was left deserted. The ruins of the Church buried the remains of the Christians burned within.

Various other Chinese martyrs who died for the Faith in previous persecutions have been beatified by name at different times:

177. Saint Peter Lieu, martyr. He was strangled for having gone to cheer his sons in prison, 1834.

178. Saint Paul Lieu, martyr (1818).

179. Saint John Baptist Lo, martyr (1861).

180. Saint Jerome Lo, martyr (Catechist, 1858).

181. Saint Joseph Shang, martyr (Seminarian, 1861).

182. Saint John Peter Noel, martyr. A French priest, beheaded 1862, with his catechist.

183. Saint Martin, martyr (Chinese).

184. Saint Agnes Sao Kuy, martyr. In Kwangsi, 1856.

185. Saint Agatha Lin, martyr. A schoolmistress, decapitated in Maohen, in 1858.

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MARTYRS OF INDOCHINA.

Indochina formerly included the regions today of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. South Vietnam was called Annam, North Vietnam was Tonkin.

In the 18^th century, there were 4 Dominican martyrs, 3 Spanish and a Vietnamese, as follows:

186. Saint Francisco Gil, martyr. He gained many conversions during his 8 years in prison.

187. Saint Mateo Leziniano, martyr. A fugitive for 13 years, going from place to place, attending the Christians in secret.

Both were beheaded 22^nd January, 1745.

188. Saint Jacinto Castaneda, martyr. A holy missionary who first passed two years in the Philippines, after traveling from Spain. From there he went to China, where he was arrested and was moved from one prison to another. The judges tried 14 times to make him apostatize. Failing this, they expelled him from the country, and the martyr reached Tonkin, where after three years he was arrested while carrying the Blessed Sacrament.

189. Saint Vincent Liem, martyr. He was the son of a prominent family and had exercised his priestly ministry for 14 years. Before his execution, he was cruelly tortured.

Both were martyred on the 7^th November, 1773.

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Thanks to this earlier persecution and the blood of martyrs, the Faith made great progress. However, in the XIX century, a great persecution broke out under the Annamite ruler Ming-Mang, who tried to extirpate the Christian religion in his realm. All the missionaries were declared guilty of death, and a systematic hunt for all priests was undertaken. This persecution produced numerous martyrs, as follows:

190. Saint Ignacio Delgado, martyr. A Spanish Dominican, he was Vicar Apostolic of the eastern sector of Tonkin. The holy martyr was taken prisoner and transported to Nam-Donh in a narrow cage. On the path, there was placed a large crucifix for the company to trample, but the martyr contrived to be taken to one side. He was condemned to be beheaded, but as he was 76 and infirm, he died in the narrow cage, too low to stand in, of hunger, thirst and exposure to the sun.

191. Saint Domingo Henarez, martyr. He was coadjutor of Saint Ignacio Delgado and was put into a cage together with his catechist.

192. Saint Francisco Chien, martyr. Both were beheaded on the 25^th June, 1840.

193. Saint Thomas Toan, martyr. A catechist, he surrendered twice under torture, but repented and gained the crown of martyrdom by starvation, 27^th June, 1840.

Among the native Annamite martyrs were:

194. Saint Peter Tuan, martyr. Priest.

195. Saint Bernard Due, martyr. Priest.

196. Saint Joseph Nien, martyr. Priest.

197. Saint Joseph Can, martyr. Physician.

198. Saint Thomas De, martyr. Taylor.

199. Saint Augustine Moi, martyr. Farmhand.

200. Saint Esteban Vink, martyr. Farmhand. These, in prison, obtained the conversion of others and were grievously tortured.

201. Saint Augustine Huy, martyr.

202. Saint Nicholas Te, martyr.

203. Saint Dominic Dat, martyr. These three martyrs were soldiers who had persevered more than a year, but, having been administered a drug, as is done today in communist countries, they weakened and trampled the crucifix. Once in possession of their free will, they professed the faith and were executed. Two died under the saw; the other by strangulation.

204. Saint Joseph Marchand, martyr. Priest of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, he was captured in Saigon and was treated with extreme cruelty. The torture that caused death was the tearing off his skin with red hot irons.

205. Saint Pierre Dumoulin-Borie, martyr. Of the Society of Foreign Missions, he had constantly to seek new hiding places during the persecution. He writes in a letter: “I travel by night on hidden paths and winding ways, in wind and rain. Often I am up to my waist in mud. You ask me why I do this. Simply to find the lost sheep and save him from the claws of Satan. Unfortunately, my height betrays me. I am too tall, and one day my persecutors will find me.” Thus one day, a traitor revealed his hiding place, and in July 1838 he was imprisoned with two Annamite priests, namely:

206. Saint Peter Koa, martyr.

207. Saint Vincent Diem, martyr. During questioning, the executioners blasphemed with a thousand obscenities. Saint Peter Koa said: “Tear me to pieces, if you like, but spare me your foul tongues.” In prison, Saint Pierre Dumoulin learned that he had been named Vicar Apostolic, as he was permitted to be visited. All were impressed by the patience and cheerfulness shown by the new Vicar Apostolic. The mandarin wished him to give the names of those who had harboured him, but in vain. The saint was beaten with bamboo rods so savagely that his body became a single wound. The mandarin asked him if he was suffering, to which the saint replied: “O course I am suffering, being flesh and blood like any other.” He was finally beheaded, and his two companions strangled.

208. Saint Jean Charles Cornay, martyr. Young priest of the Foreign Missions, he was ordained in Macao in 1834 and laboured principally in Ban-rio (Annam). A brigand had sought refuge among the Christians but was sent off. For revenge, his wife hid fire-arms in the field cultivated by the missionary and told the authorities that Father Cornay was preparing a conspiracy. A patrol was at once dispatched, found the arms, arrested the missionary, and put him in a cage. Without food or drink, he was exposed to the fierce rays of the tropical sun of June. The young missionary with his gay spirit and lovely voice won the affection of his jailers. The mandarins asked him to sing, although he could hardly stand erect. Finally the case of Father Cornay was referred to a higher authority, and he was condemned to be quartered. The magistrate ordered the execution to begin by cutting the throat, in order to spare the victim from being quartered alive. During the long way to the execution, the holy martyr sang hymns with all the strength his feeble condition allowed. His great courage impressed Christians and pagans alike. He was martyred in the year 1837.

All the above martyrs were beatified in 1946 by Saint Pius XII the Great.

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209. Saint Augustin Schoffler, martyr. Born in Lorraine, he entered the Society of Foreign Missions in Paris, came to Tonkin, and soon acquired sufficient fluency in the language to hear confessions and give instructions. Arrested in 1851, he suffered greatly from a pitchfork tied about his neck, from chains that bound him, from insects and the vile company in the common quarters. The execution was conducted with great solemnity, and the martyr’s valour impressed even his enemies.

210. Saint Jean Louis Bonnard, martyr. He came to Tonkin in 1850, member also of the Society of Foreign Missions. When he arrived, there was an epidemic in the region. The missionary worked untiringly among the afflicted, and at the same time studied the language. There is preserved a fine letter of Father Bonnard from his prison, where he already was condemned to die, bidding his family farewell. He was beheaded, 1^st May 1852, and his body thrown into the river in a sack weighted with stones. But the Christians recovered his relics.

211. Saint Jose Maria Diaz Sanjurjo, martyr. This Spanish Dominican, Vicar Apostolic of central Tonkin, was born in 1818, near Lugo, studied in the diocesan seminary and at the University of Compostela, and entered the Dominicans, hoping thereby to attain his desire of becoming a missionary. Ordained in 1844, he sailed to the Philippines, where for a time he was professor at the University. He arrived at Tonkin on Easter Sunday, 1845. In 1859, he was appointed coadjutor of the Vicar Apostolic, Mons. Maerti, and three years later, Vicar of the central region. A new mandarin, ambitious and eager to gain the reward for capturing the bishop, went with soldiers to the Episcopal residence, seized his pectoral cross, and put him in prison, where two months later he was beheaded.

212. Saint Melchor Garcia Sampedro, martyr. Coadjutor of Saint Jose Maria Diaz Sanjurjo, he was born near Cienfuegos (Asturias, Spain), in 1821, studied in Oviedo, and in 1845 entered the Dominicans, being ordained in Madrid in 1848. He came to Tonkin in February 1849 and was named coadjutor to the Vicar Apostolic. He was arrested at the beginning of July 1858. After 20 days, he was taken in chains to the place of torment; dragged naked, with bones disjointed, he was tortured slowly with what is called “lang-tri,” cutting off the feet, legs, fingers, hands, arms, until only the trunk remains. The martyr repeated constantly the name of Jesus. Finally they cut off the head, drew out the entrails, and threw them in a ditch. The poor remnants were then cast to the elephants to be trampled, but the beasts stubbornly refused, so that the witnesses, terrified, informed the emperor, and he ordered the elephants to be shot by canon-fire at the same place of execution.

Several months later, the 5^th November, a priest, native to the locality, whose name has not been ascertained, and who had become a Dominican, was put to death. He had been very devout, always wearing his rosary conspicuously and he died with hi hands joined as though participating in a religious ceremony.

213. Saint Dominic An-Kham, martyr.

214. Saint Luke Cai-Thin, martyr.

215. Saint Joseph Cai-Ta, martyr. These three wealthy nobles, fathers of families — Saint Dominic, head of the town; Saint Luke, his son; Saint Joseph — were denounced as Christians. They were at once arrested, their families evicted, their houses pillaged and burned. After 4 months’ prison, they were condemned for refusing to trample on the crucifix and were executed, January 1859.

216. Saint Ha-Long, martyr. He was captured when he left his hiding place in order to minister to the faithful.

217. Saint Dominic Cam, martyr. A native priest, Dominican tertiary, he was arrested, beheaded and quartered, 11^th March 1859.

218. Saint Thomas Khuong, martyr. Likewise a native priest, he was recognized when he tried to cross the bridge of Tran-Xa without walking on the cross which had been placed there so as to be trampled on by the passersby. He was beheaded with an axe, 30^th January 1861.

219. Saint Joseph Tuan, martyr. A Dominican priest, he was betrayed by an apostate, imprisoned, and in April 1861, beheaded.

In August, the emperor Tu-Duc published a decree, ordering the Christians to be marked on the cheek, expelled from the cities, and to forfeit their possessions. The governors were allowed to apply the death penalty at their discretion, and the number of martyrs was multiplied.

220. Saint Joseph Tuan, martyr. Father of a family and farmer, he was deeply pious. Ordered to trample the cross, he kneeled beside it and said: “Thou art my strength.” He was martyred on the 7^th January, 1862, at 36 years of age.

221. Saint Laurian Ngon, martyr. Previously imprisoned and then released, he was again put into prison, where he encouraged the other prisoners. The judge tried to weaken him by saying: “You are still young. Why die? Step on the cross, and go back to your family.” Saint Laurian replied: “I profess the religion of the Lord of Heaven and earth, and I will never deny Him by trampling the cross. If I may live, well and good. If not, I die with great pleasure.” Leaving his wife and children, he died on 22^nd May 1862, after 8 months of prison, leaving an heroic example of martyrdom.

222. Saint Joseph Tuc, martyr. 19 years old, he was beheaded at the place where he refused to trample on the cross, 1^st June 1862.

223. Saint Dominic Ninh, martyr. A humble farmer, 20 years old, he suffered the same penalty as had Saint Joseph Tuc, on the following day.

224. Saint Paul Dourg, martyr. A famous man, he was arrested for refusing to step on the cross and was beaten so furiously that his whole body became one wound. They wished to mark his cheek with the words, “False religion,” but he so resisted that they deprived him of food. He, however, had his cheek marked by a Christian with the words, “True religion.” His boldness brought him to martyrdom, 3^rd June 1862.

225. Saint Dominic Toai, martyr.

226. Saint Dominic Huyen, martyr.

227. Saint Peter Dung, martyr.

228. Saint Peter Huyen, martyr. The first two were fishermen and worthy fathers of their families. They were arrested for the sole reason that they were Christians and burned alive on the 5^th June 1862. The last two were likewise fishermen, who suffered the same penalty the following day.

229. Saint Dominic Nguyen, martyr.

230. Saint Dominic Nhi, martyr.

231. Saint Dominic Mao, martyr.

232. Saint Vincent Toung, martyr.

233. Saint Andrew Toung, martyr. Five wealthy farmers, they were put into the same prison, where they devoted themselves to prayer. For refusing to walk on the cross, they were beheaded, 16^th June 1862.

234. Saint Peter Da, martyr. He was burned alive, 17^th June 1862, for refusing to step on the cross. He was 60 years old.

All the above martyrs were beatified by Saint Pius XII in 1951.

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235. Saint Theophanes Venard, martyr. A young French missionary, who from childhood had dreamed of becoming a martyr. In 1850 he received the subdiaconate and sought entrance into the College of Foreign Missions of Paris, which he considered the best way to attain his goal of martyrdom. A grave illness seemed about to delay ordination, but he contrived to sail for Hong Kong in 1852. There he studied the language for 15 months and was sent in 1854 to west Tonkin. For 5 years, he worked untiringly in a district with 10,000 fervent Christians. His tender feeling for his family is shown in the numerous letters he wrote. He describes in detail the desperate situation of the missionaries. In order to hide, three missionaries, one a bishop, would remain in an enclosure of less than 1 ½ metres long. Light and air were admitted through 3 small holes in the mud wall. The good woman who harboured them piled straw over them. They were, however, discovered. The holy martyr was put into a cage for 2 months. His goodness impressed the persecutors, and they omitted to torture him. Nevertheless, he was condemned to death and suffered brutal martyrdom at the hands of a cruel executioner. As soon as the soldiers permitted, the Christians approached with cloths and pieces of paper, to gather the blood of the martyr. It was 2nd February 1861.

236. Saint Stephen Theodore Cuenot, martyr. Vicar Apostolic, he was born in France in 1802, studied in the seminary of the Foreign Missions of Paris, and came to Annam in 1829. A violent persecution broke out in 1833. Father Cuenot took refuge in Siam with his native seminarians, preparing for the priesthood. The future martyr endured every kind of disappointment, without loss of spirit or determination. In 1835, he was consecrated Bishop in Singapore, being appointed coadjutor to Mgr. Taberd. He contrived to enter Annam, but had to keep hidden, which made his work more difficult. Despite the hardships, with zeal he was able to achieve many conversions and reorganize the dispersed Christians. In 15 years, he established three apostolic vicariates in Cochinchina. After 25 years as Bishop, there broke out another fanatical persecution. He took refuge in the house of a pagan who hid him in a cell, cleverly built into a double wall. The persecutors did not discover the cell, but they lay in ambush until the holy martyr, ill, exhausted, and unable any longer to endure his thirst, left the hiding-place. He was put into a cage that kept him bent over, and thus he was taken to the head of the district. In a few days, the martyr suffered a violent attack of dysentery and died, 14^th November 1862.

Half of the seminarians, all the pupils of the minor seminary, all the nuns, a total of 250, were captured by the persecutors. To disgrace them, their faced were marked with the words, “ta dao” (false religion). On their necks, the prisoners wore a wooden frame or chains. They were divided into groups and sent to various towns. In two towns, the people burned all the Christians, and when called to account, spoke of an accidental fire.

237. Saint Jeronimo Hermosilla, martyr. Spanish Dominican and Vicar Apostolic, he was taken prisoner at the outbreak of persecution but contrived to escape, secretly carrying on his mission until a soldier betrayed him. He was captured with two other Spanish Dominicans and beheaded with them, 1^st November 1861. One of these companions was the Dominican Saint Valentin Berrio Ochoa, beatified at the beginning of the century and on the 24^th September 1978 canonised by H.H. Pope Gregory XVII. The other Spanish Dominican was:

238. Saint Pedro Almato, martyr. A Catalonian, despite his bad health, he had laboured 6 years on the mission. Saint Jeronimo Hermosilla wished him to cross the Chinese border, but it was too late. He was beheaded on his birthday.

239. Saint Joseph Kang, martyr. Layman and Dominican tertiary, he was executed 5 weeks later and at the same place.

Other martyrs of Indochina:

240. Saint Lawrence Hung, martyr. Priest, 1856.

241. Saint Paul Loc, martyr. Priest, 1861.

242. Saint John Hoan, martyr. Priest, 1861.

243. Saint Andrew Nam Thung, martyr. Catechist. 1855.

244. Saint Michael Ho-Dinh-Hy, martyr. A high official of the court.

245. Saint Martha Wang, martyr. Condemned for bringing letters to Christian prisoners. These martyrs, as well as numerous companions, were beatified in 1900, 1906, and 1909.

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ITALIANS MARTYRED BY THE TURKS.

In 1840, the Turkish forces of Mohammed II captured and sacked the city of Otranto in Southern Italy, and the majority of the inhabitants were killed. The Church considers some 800 of these to be martyrs, since they died for not apostatizing. The most important of them was Saint Antonio Primaldi (or Grimaldi), an artisan advanced in years, well known in the city for his professional skill and his worthy Christian life. The Turks collected all the men who had survived the first slaughter and brought them to a nearby valley. On the condition that they apostatize and become Mohammedans, they would be freed with their wives, also taken in capture. Saint Antonio spoke on behalf of all and declared that there was only one God, and that Jesus Christ was His Son, and that they would not apostatize for any reason whatever. The Turkish general threatened torture, and some began to lose heart. Seeing this, the holy martyr cried out to his compatriots: “We have fought four our city and our lives. Now we must fight for our souls and for Jesus Christ. He died for us; let us die for Him.” These words gave new heart to the weak, and the general ordered all to be beheaded. Saint Antonio Primaldi was the fist to die. His headless body stood erect until all had been executed, to encourage his companions. The place of execution is still called Valley of the Martyrs. During the 12 months of Turkish occupation, the bodies were unburied. The cult of these martyrs was confirmed in 1771:

246. Saint Antonio Primaldi and Companions, martyrs.

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MARTYRS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.

The 191 martyrs of Paris:

Towards the end of 1792, the revolutionaries in all France were infuriated by the uprising of the country region of La Vendee. Some 1,500 persons were slaughtered, ecclesiastics, laymen, women and children. In 1926, Saint Pius XI, the Great, beatified 191 of these martyrs. Among the most prominent were:

247. Saint Jean de Lau, martyr. Archbishop of Arles

248. Saint Francois Joseph de Rochefoucauld, martyr. Bishop

249. Saint Pierre Louis de Rochefoucauld, martyr. Bishop of Saintes and brother of the previous martyr.

250. Saint Ambroise Augustin Chevreus, martyr. Superior General of the Maurist Benedictines.

251. Saint Francois Louis Hebert, martyr. Confessor of the King, Louis XVI.

252. Saint Charles de la Calmette, martyr. Earl of Valfons, who chose to accompany his parish priest to prison.

These, with 2 Benedictines, 3 Franciscans, 14 former Jesuits (the Society of Jesus was suppressed at the time), 6 Vicar Generals, 38 seminarians of Saint-Sulpice, 3 deacons, an acolyte, a teaching brother, and others, altogether more than 150 ecclesiastics, together with some laymen, were imprisoned in the church and convent of the Carmelites, when a horde of soulless revolutionaries invaded the garden and stabbed to death the first priest they met. The Archbishop Saint Jean de Lau, was struck down by the sword and pierced through with a pike. Amidst cries of horror and savagery, they opened fire. Some fell either dead or wounded. The firing ceased and a tribunal was set up with an improvised judge. Two by two, the prisoners were made to stand before the judge in order to take oath on the constitution, already condemned by the Bishops and the Holy See. Without the least hesitation, each and all refused. Then they descended by pairs the narrow steps to the outside, where a wild mob tore them to pieces. When the judge called out the name of the holy Bishop of Beauvais, he was lying motionless in a corner and he replied: “I do not refuse to die with the rest, but I cannot walk. I pray your Lordship graciously to bid them take me where I ought to go.” Two men carried him to the judge, where he refused the oath, and suffered the same penalty as the others. Thus all died, leaving no one. It was the 2^nd September, 1792.

On the following day, 3 September, the murderous horde invaded the Lazarist seminary of Saint Fermin, turned into a prison, and martyred the following:

253. Saint Pierre Guerin du Rocher, martyr. A former Jesuit, 60 years of age, he was told to choose either to take the oath or to die. On refusing the oath, he was thrown through the nearest window, and on falling in the courtyard, was stabbed to death. His brother, Robert du Rocher, was also martyred.

254. Saint Louis Joseph Francois, martyr. Superior of the Seminary, he was a man of such renown for his goodness and so much loved in Paris, that an officer wished to help him escape. However, he would not abandon his fellow prisoners, among whom was:

255. Saint Yves Guillon de Keranrum, martyr. Vice-chancellor of the University of Paris.

There was no survivor who might have described the martyrdom of this group.

The 16 Carmelite Nuns of Compiegne

256. Saint Therese (Madeleine Ledoine) and 15 nuns of the Carmelite Convent of Compiegne, martyrs. In August of 1790, the nuns of the Carmelite convent of Compiegne, founded in 1641, were evicted from their house. They formed 4 groups, each at a different house, observing the Rule as best they could. Despite their precautions, the authorities went to inspect the 4 houses in June 1794 and arrested all the nuns for observing illegally community life, regarded as conspiracy against the Republic. They were imprisoned in the “Conciergerie” in Paris, where, observing their rule of life, they inspired the other prisoners with new fortitude. The tribunal condemned them to the guillotine for “religious fanaticism.” A nun asked the court please to explain the term. The prosecuting attorney replied: “By the term ‘religious fanaticism,’ I intend your infantile beliefs and your stupid attachment to religious practices.” The nun turned to her sisters and said: “As you see, they condemn us for our religion. We shall have the happiness to die for God.” The nuns were transported in wagons to the place of execution, a trip of more than an hour, singing all the way hymns, psalms and the Te Deum, and reciting prayers for the dying. Each one ascended the scaffold singing “Laudate Dominum omnes gentes” (Praise the Lord, all ye nations), to the profound edification of the crowd. The first martyr was the novice, the last was the superior, Saint Therese (Madeleine Ledoine), 42 years old. The process of beatification revealed that, for her sanctity she would have merited the honour of the altars, even had she not been martyred. The oldest was 78 years of age. These were the fist victims of the French Revolution who were beatified, by Saint Pis X, in 1906.

The 32 Martyrs of Orange, Religious

These were 16 Ursulines, 13 Adorers, 2 Bernardines, and on Benedictine, all nuns, who refused the republican oath, recognizing it to be contrary to religion. They were imprisoned in Orange, April 1794, where there were many women prisoners. There the religious observed their rule of life as best they could. The first victim was:

257. Saint Marie Rose Deloye, martyr. A Benedictine, she was condemned on the 6^th July for “attempting to destroy the republic” with her “fanaticism and superstition.”

258. Saint Iphigenie de Guilhermier, martyr. Ursuline.

259. Saint Melania de Guilhermier, martyr. Ursuline.

260. Saint Angele de Rocher, martyr. Ursuline.

Almost every day there were executions, and prayers for the dying were offered daily to commend their souls to God, followed by the Te Deum in thanksgiving.

261. Saint Pelagie Bes, martyr. When she was notified of the execution, she shared a box of sweets with her prison companions, saying it was to celebrate her nuptials.

262. Saint Teoctiste Pelissier, martyr. She composed a hymn to sing of her desire to die at the guillotine.

263. Saint Marie Cluse, martyr. A lay-sister of unusual beauty, she refused to save her life by marrying one of the executioners.

One of the guards remarked: “These little angels die with a smile on their lips.” The 32 religious were beatified in 1925 by Saint Pius XI, the Great.

The 11 Ursuline Martyrs of Valenciennes

These nuns taught children and cared for lepers. When the Revolution closed their convent at Valenciennes, they took refuge in the convent of Mons. In 1793, when Austrian troops occupied Valenciennes, the Ursulines returned and reopened the school. When the French troops reoccupied the place, the nuns were arrested in September 1794 for returning illegally. On the 17^th October, 5 of the nuns were tried and publicly declared that they had returned to teach Catholic doctrine. They were guillotined. Five days later were also guillotined:

264. Saint Marie Clotilde Paillot, martyr. Superior, together with 5 other religious, of whom the following two had been Brigittines:

265. Saint Lilvine Lacroix, martyr.

266. Saint Anne Marie Erraux, martyr.

267. Saint Josephine Leroux, martyr. This last had been a Poor Clare. Expelled from their convents, these had found refuge with the Ursulines. Saint Marie Clotilde Paillot declared: “I will die for the Faith of the Church, Catholic, Apostolic and Roman.” They were beatified by Saint Benedict XV, in 1920.

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268. Saint Medeleine Fontaine, martyr. Superior, aged 71.

269. Saint Francoise Lanel, martyr, aged 42.

270. Saint Therese Fantou, martyr, aged 47.

271. Saint Jeanne Gerard, martyr, aged 42. These 4 Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul refused the oath imposed on clerics and religious by the government in power and were arrested in February 1794. The infamous renegade Joseph Lebon requested that the 4 sisters be sent to Cambrai. They appeared there before the tribunal, and the Superior was declared to be “a pious counter-revolutionary” and the others her accomplices. So they were condemned to death. Without delay they were led to the scaffold singing the Ave Maria. The Superior was the last to ascend. When she saw the heads of her three daughters fall, she turned to the crowd, crying: “Christians, listen: we are the last victims. The persecution will cease. The guillotines will fall, and the altars of Jesus Christ will rise with new glory.” The prophecy was fulfilled. After the execution, the renegade Joseph Lebon had to halt the slaughter, and in six months, his own head fell into the basket. The 4 nuns were beatified in 1920 by Saint Benedict XV.

272. Saint Noel Pinot, martyr. Born in Angers (France) in 1747, he was ordained there, and as a parochial priest, he was outstanding for assisting the sick in a hospital for incurables. In 1788, he was appointed parish priest in the village of Lourous-Beconnais. His zeal and devotion produced great fruits. When, during the Revolution, the priests had to take the oath condemned by the Holy See, the saint refused and had to leave his parish. But Father Pinot continued his ministry in secret and gave heart to many priests who had weakened. When the rising of Vendee against the revolutionary government took place, the holy martyr took charge of his parish. However, the republicans recovered the territory, and Father Pinot was denounced as an ingrate who had received generous treatment. He was arrested while vesting for Holy Mass. The soldiers dragged him in his priestly vestments through the streets, amidst the jeering of the mob. He was brutally mistreated during 12 days of imprisonment. As he stood firm in his refusal to take the oath, he was condemned to the guillotine. The 21^st February, he was led, still in priestly vestments, to the guillotine, and along the way he repeated in clear voice the psalm at the beginning of Mass “Introibo ad altare Dei.” He was beatified in 1926 by Saint Pius XI, the Great.

273. Saint Jacques Sales, martyr.

274. Saint Guillaume Saultemouche, martyr. These two French Jesuits were martyred by the Huguenots. Saint Jacques Sales, son of a servant of the Bishop of Clermont (France), studied at the Jesuit College at Billom. At the time a simple and upright young man, Guillaume Saultemouche was working in the College. Jacques entered the Jesuits at 17, and Guillaume entered few months later as a brother. Meanwhile Jacques pursued his studies and passed to the University of Pouta-Mousson, and later to Paris. There he conceived an intense desire for martyrdom and asked the Father General to send him to India. The Father General refused permission, adding: “You will find in France all that India could offer you.” In 1592, he was sent to preach the Advent sermons in the region of Cevennes, where the Calvinists were a constant threat. The mayor of Aubenas had requested a priest capable of disputing with the heretics, and Father Sales was sent, accompanied by brother Saultemouche, at the end of November 1592. He wore a relic of Saint Edmund Campion, who had suffered martyrdom in England less than a year before. Taking leave, he said to the porter: “Pray for me, dear brother, we are going out to face death.’ At Aubenas he preached so fervently that the mayor requested that he stay on to Easter, as there was a dearth of priests in those parts. At the beginning of February, Huguenot hordes took the city by surprise. The two holy martyrs hastened to the Church to prevent sacrilege. Father Sales gave Communion to brother Guillaume, and consumed the sacred species that remained. The Huguenots stormed into the church, dragged the two Jesuits brutally before a court of Calvinist divines. The trial was turned into a bitter theological argument, and continued the next day. The Calvinist divines were embittered beyond measure when Father Sales treated the Holy Eucharist. The scene ended by the dragging of the priest from the salon, and the command to shoot him dead. Father Sales urged brother Guillaume to escape, as he easily could have done; but the loyal Jesuit brother would not be separated from the holy priest. When Father Sales knelt to pray, he was wounded by a shot, and the heretics then fell upon their victims with every kind of weapon, and in a bloody and indescribably brutal way, quickly finished their work. It was the 7^th February 1593.

275. Saint Inacio Acevedo and Companions, martyrs. Saint Inacio Acevedo, of noble and wealthy family, was born in Oportu (Portugal), in 1528, and entered the Jesuits at 20. A zealous novice, his provincial drew his attention to his excess in mortification. At 25, he became rector of Saint Anthony’s College at Lisbon. He not only discharged the office conscientiously but undertook also many works of charity, ministering in person to the needs of 3 hospital patients to whom, for their repugnant condition, no one else would attend. The charity of Father Acevedo converted the 3 unfortunates. Ten years later, he became rector of the College at Braga, and there he conceived the ardent desire to go on the missions. In 1566, he was sent to Brazil to study the Jesuit Missions in that country. Returned to Rome, he counseled the Father General, Saint Francis Borgia, to send more missionaries. Father Acevedo himself was charged to select the most apt from the provinces of Portugal and Spain, and as superior, to lead the group to Brazil. The holy martyr left with 49 companions in two ships for Madeira, whence they all continued the voyage together in the merchant ship “Santiago.” Shortly before reaching their destination, the ship was intercepted by pirates under the captain Jacques Soury, an implacable French Huguenot. The Santiago put up a brave defense, but had to surrender. The pirate captain, out of hatred for the Catholic Faith, condemned the missionaries to death, and pardoned the crew. Saint Inacio Acevedo and his companions faced their martyrdom with heroism, being brutally murdered in cold blood. Saint Inacio was thrown into the sea with a statue given him by Saint Pius V. Of the other martyrs, 9 were Spanish, 40 Portuguese. They were beatified in 1854 by Saint Pius IX, the great.

276. Saint Marcus Crispin Korosy, martyr.

277. Saint Stephen Pongracz, martyr.

278. Saint Melchior Crodecz, martyr. These were martyred by Calvinists. Saint Marcus belonged to a distinguished family of Croatia. He studied at the Germanico-Hungarian College at Rome, and returned to his country under the government of Archbishop Pazmeny, primate of Hungary, and rendered important services in the Archdiocese of Esztergom. Saint Stephen was Hungarian, and Saint Melchior a Czech, both Jesuit priests. In 1619, the 3 priests were engaged in educational work in the Kaschau region, today the city of Kosice in Slovakia, when Calvinist soldiers under the command of Georg Racoczy, sent by the Calvinist leader Betlen Gabor, invaded the district. They took the 3 priests, tortured them all night long, and killed them with utmost cruelty. They were beatified by Saint Pius X.

279. Saint Antonio Neyrot, martyr. Born at the beginning of the XV century in Piedmont (Italy), he entered the Dominican convent of Florence, when Saint Antonino was the prior. When he was sent to a convent in Sicily, he was taken by pirates and sold as a slave. He recovered his freedom but, on studying the Koran, he lost his faith, became a Mohammedan, and took a wife. Thanks to an apparition of his former prior, Saint Antonino, he was converted. Full of contrition, he dismissed his wife, did penance, and again recited the divine office. When he felt the strength to face martyrdom, wearing the habit again, he appeared before the governor of Tunis, and before a large assembly, abjured Mohammedanism, and proclaimed Christianity to be the one and only true religion. Arguments, threats, promises, nothing made the least impression. He was condemned, stoned and quartered. He died kneeling in prayer, arms raised to Heaven. His remains were burned. His cult was approved in 1767.

280. Saint Antonio Pavoni, martyr. Born in Savigliano (Piedmont, Italy), he entered quite young the Dominican Order in his native city. For his wisdom and piety, he was appointed Inquisitor General of Piedmont and Ligouri. In his office, he judged and refuted many enemies of the faith, and as the saint had foreseen, he made many enemies. In Easter of 1374, he foretold his near death. He told the barber to do his tonsure well, as he was going to a wedding. The barber, ordinarily a well-informed person, was surprised that there had been no previous announcement of marriage in the locality. The saint replied: “It may appear odd, but I give you my word I am not lying.” Several days after, when leaving eh Church where he head just celebrated Sunday Mass and preached, 7 armed men killed him. Miracles were many at his grave, and in 1856, the Holy See approved his cult.

281. Saint Miguel de Arandiga, martyr. Born about the middle of the XVI century, in Montesa (Valencia, Spain), he entered the military Order of Our Lady of Montesa, 14^th May, 1564. After ordination, having given proof of great virtue and life of penance, he was elected prior of Saint Jorge de Alfama, 22^nd May, 1576. After taking possession of his priory, and returning to Valencia, he was captured by the moors. They brought him to Algiers, and subjected him to slavery and hard labour, all of which he endured with perfect serenity. After a year, they burned him alive out of hatred for the Faith, 28^th May 1577. Saint Louis Beltran saw in Valencia the soul of the martyr rising to Heaven at the very hour of his martyrdom.

282. Saint Juan de Prado, martyr. Of noble family of Mongrovejo (Leon, Spain), he studied at the University of Salamanca before entering the Franciscan Order in 1548. He desired the missions, but first had to be master of novices and guardian in various houses of the Order. Although he was very humble and devout, he was calumniated and relieved of his office. The saint with deep resignation said: “God wills that I suffer. His will be done. The only regret I have is that the scandal should harm the weak and bring discredit on the Order.” He was proved after a time to be innocent and named provincial of the new province of San Diego. Three years later, the pest carried off all the Franciscans in Morocco. The saint asked to be sent there to assist the Christians. Pope Urban VIII named him missionary apostolic, with extraordinary faculties. He sailed for Morocco with 2 companions, and there he began to assist the Christian slaves. They were ordered to leave the country, but the missionaries continued to administer the sacraments to the faithful and to reconcile the apostates. They were arrested and put to work grinding saltpeter for gunpowder. They appeared before the sultan, boldly defended the Catholic faith, for which they were beaten and thrown into prison. The second time Saint Juan de Prado appeared at the court, he ignored the sultan and preached to certain apostates present in the hall. The sultan Muley-al-Walid struck down the missionary, pierced him with two arrows, and ordered him to be thrown into a furnace. Amidst the flames, the martyr preached to the executioners until one of them broke his skull with a rock. It was 1613, and the martyr was beatified in 1728.

283. Saint Giovanni de Perugia, martyr.

284. Saint Piedro de Sasso Ferrato, martyr. These two Italian Franciscans were sent to Spain by Saint Francis to preach to the moors. Saint Giovanni was a priest and Saint Piedro a lay-brother. They stopped at the city of Terruel to prepare the apostolate. Their poverty and piety won the hearts of the people, and their preaching was very fruitful. They moved to Valencia, which at the time was dominated by the moors. They hid in a miserable house, and when they went out to preach, the moors fell on them and brought them to the emir. When the emir asked what business had brought them to Valencia, Saint Giovanni replied candidly that they had come to convert the moors and free them from the errors of Mohammedanism. This sufficed for the emir to give them the choice either to abjure their faith or to die. As they would not apostatize, they were executed in the garden of the emir. The two martyrs died praying on their knees for the conversion of the moors. This took place on the 30^th August, 1231. Their bodies rest in Teruel, and many miracles have occurred at their tomb. Beatified 1783.

285. Saint Agathangel, martyr

286. Saint Cassian Nantes, martyr. Saint Agathangel was born in 1598 in Vendome (France). At 21, he entered the Capuchin convent of Le Mans, was ordained, and began with zeal to preach in his own part of the country. He was soon sent as missionary to Syria, where he ministered first to the European merchants. When he had mastered Arabic, he began to achieve more tolerance and interest in Catholicism. In 1630, he was sent to a Capuchin foundation in Cairo as superior. Other missionaries from Marseilles came there. One of these was Saint Cassian Nantes, of Portuguese family but French birth, who soon became the principal support of Father Agathangel. Both laboured zealously for the reunion of the Coptic Church with Rome. They achieved a certain measure of success and hoped that union would be achieved. Unfortunately, the bad example of many European Catholics living in Egypt impeded the project. In 1637, the two fathers were sent to found a Capuchin house in Ethiopia. Well aware of the danger to which they would be exposed in Ethiopia, they formed a plan of action. However, a German physician, one Heyling, protestant and enemy of Catholics, determined to destroy them. When the two missionaries came to Dibarua at the beginning of summer 1638, they were arrested and led on foot to Gonder. The next day they appeared chained, their habits torn and covered with the dust of travel, in the presence of the King Basilides and his court. The missionaries explained: “We have come to invite you to be reconciled to the Catholic Church.” However, the new primate Markos advised the king to impose sentence of death. The King Basilides was inclined to expel them from the country, but Doctor Heyling, the primate Markos, and the queen mother had the mob clamour for execution. The missionaries were condemned for refusing to abjure the Catholic Faith and belong to the Ethiopian Church. At the trees where they were to be hanged, there was a delay, as the ropes had not arrived. Saint Cassian rebuked the executioners: “Why do you wait! Here we are ready to die. Are we not bound with ropes?” (referring to the Franciscan cords). Thus the martyrs were hanged with their own cinctures. Before they died, the mob, inspired by the primate Markos, stoned the martyrs. For 3 nights the bodies glowed with a mysterious light and the terrified king ordered their burial. They were beatified in 1905 by Saint Pius X.

287. Saint Dionysius Berthelot, martyr.

288. Saint Redento Rodriguez, martyr. Saint Dionysius was baptized Pierre Berthelot, having been born in Honfleur (France) in 1600, the eldest of ten children. At 19, he sailed for the East Indies in the French vessel “Esperance,” which was captured and burned by pirates. He contrived to escape to Java, where for some years he engaged in commerce. He entered the Portuguese navy in Malaca, became pilot and cartographer, and participated in several expeditions. In 1630 in Goa, he came to know the prior of the Discalced Carmelites and entered the Order, taking the name of Dionysius. After his profession, the Portuguese Viceroy requested that he pilot the vessel bearing a diplomatic mission to Sumatra. The religious superiors conceded, and Dionysius was ordained in order also to serve as chaplain of the expedition. They gave him as companion the lay-brother Saint Redento Rodriguez of Cunha, who once had been a soldier. As soon as they had arrived at Achin, the natives took everyone captive. The two religious were ordered to apostatize, but refused. Saint Dionysisus was condemned to be trampled by elephants. But the great beasts refused to pass over him. He was then put to the sword. Saint Regento was executed several days later. Both martyrs were beatified in 1900 by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

289. Saint Gentile, martyr. Born in Italy toward the end of the XIIIth century, he entered the Franciscan Order. He was sent to the convent of Monte Alvernia, where he was named guardian. The memory of Saint Francis inflamed his desire to preach the Gospel in the Orient and in Moslem lands. He was soon sent to Egypt as missionary, but as all his efforts to learn Arabic proved fruitless, he thought he could not do anything and was on the point of returning to Italy. He had a vision and was ordered to remain. He persevered and overcame the language difficulty. With a Venetian ambassador, he visited the Persian court and traveled through all of Arabia. Together they visited the grave of Saint Catherine of Alexandria on Mount Sinai. On one occasion, Saint Gentile disappeared mysteriously for a week. When he returned, it was made known that he had miraculously been transported to assist his dying father, as he once had promised. Returning to Persia, he preached the Gospel throughout the land. At Trebizon, he baptized many converts. It is certain that he died for the Faith, but the circumstances remain unrevealed. His remains were brought later to Venice, where they are buried in the church of the Franciscans. His cult was approved by Saint Pius V.

290. Saint Rudolfo Aquaviva and Companions, martyrs. Son of the Duke of Atri, related to the family of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and nephew of Fr. Aquaviva, 5^th General of the Society of Jesus, at 18 he entered the Jesuit novitiate. Ordained in Lisbon, he was sent to India, where the Grand Mogul Akbar had requested missionaries for his court near Agrai. Father Rudolfo, of simple and pleasing manner, did all he could to convert the Mogul, but without success. In 1583, he was sent to the district of Salsete, accompanied by 4 religious: Father Alfonso Pacheco, a Spaniard; Father Pedro Berno, a Swiss; Father Antonio Francesco, Italian; and brother Francisco Aranha, Portuguese. As the town of Kunkolin was the bastion of the Hindu religion in those parts, they decided to devote special attention there. When the missionaries arrived, the nobles came forth from the town with soldiers to confront them. A Portuguese, Gonzalo Rodriguez, accompanying the missionaries, whished to open fire in self-defence. Father Pacheco prevented him, saying, “We haven’t come to fight.” The Kunkolin men fell upon the Christians. The 4 priests died praying for their enemies. Brother Aranha was so badly wounded that it was thought he was dead. But the next day they found him alive, tied him to a tree, and killed him with arrows. Together with the missionaries, the Portuguese Gonzalo Rodriguez and 14 native Christians, including two children, were all martyred. They were beatified in 1893 b y Saint Leo XIII the Great.

291. Saint Roque Gonzalez and Companions, martyrs. Roque Gonzalez was born in Asuncion (Paraguay), of noble Spanish family. Ordained at 23, he laboured among Indians of the more remote villages for 10 years. In order to avoid ecclesiastical advancement and thus better to continue in the mission, he entered the Society of Jesus. At that time, the Jesuits were establishing their famous “reductions” of Paraguay — Catholic Indian villages retaining Indian culture, a most admirable institution of the Jesuits and of the whole Church. The Jesuits saw in the Indians children of God and respected their civilization and customs in all that was not opposed to God’s law. Father Roque laboured for 20 years in this noble apostolate. With trust and patience, he confronted every kind of difficulty, danger, and setback, both through savage and aggressive tribes as well as through European colonists. For 3 years he directed the Reduction of Saint Ignatius, and the rest of his life he formed another half dozen reductions. He was the first missionary who penetrated several virgin territories of South America. In 1628, two young Spanish missionaries joined him: Alonso Rodriguez and Juan Castillo. The three together founded the Reduction consecrated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Father Castillo assumed direction, while Fathers Roque and Alonso founded another consecrated to All Saints. Here they had to confront a powerful witch doctor, who brought about an attack on the mission. Father Roque was killed by a hatchet, Father Rodriguez through being beaten. The Indians fired the Chapel and threw the bodies into the flames. It was the 15^th November, 1628. Two days later they attacked the mission of Father Castillo. They tied his hands, beat him savagely, and stoned him to death. The three martyrs were beatified in 1934 by Saint Pius XI, the Great.

292. Saint Gabra Mikael, martyr. This holy Abyssinian priest was a monk of the schismatic Ethiopian Church. He was renowned for holiness and wisdom, but was regarded unfavourably by other monks for his inclination towards Catholicism. At the time he was not a priest, but had studied theology within the limited possibilities of his church. Shortly after Saint Justino de Jacobis came to Ethiopia, Gabra became acquainted with him, and was soon accompanying him on a delegation to Rome. On his return in 1844, he had already been converted to the Catholic Church and was about 50 years old. The two saints wrote a catechism, translated a work of moral theology into Ethiopian, and founded a college under the care of Saint Gabra. The head of the schismatic church, Abura Salama, was alarmed and induced the government to exile the two Catholic apostles. These, however, secretly returned to the country. During the exile, Saint Justino had been consecrated Bishop by Mgr., later Cardinal, Massaia, and his first act as Bishop was to ordain, in 1851, Saint Gabra Mikael. There followed a period notable for the conversion of many schismatics. A rebellion broke out under the leader Karsa, who seized the throne under the name of Theodore II, and the persecution of Catholics recommenced. The holy martyr, with 4 companions, was thrown into prison and threatened with torture to make them apostatize. They were brought before Theodore II and the metropolitan Salama to be questioned again and again, for a period of 9 months. Whenever they showed resistance, they were brutally beaten with whips made of the tails of giraffes, hard as steel, and were submitted to other tortures. The saint declared: “In matters of faith, I stand in the opposite camp. In what concerns Christian charity, I think I have only done good,” an allusion to his having saved Abura Salama from execution a few years before. In March, 1855, Theodore II undertook an expedition against the governor of Shoa and had Saint Gabra put in his retinue, chained. The martyr had sent a message to the remaining prisoners: “Keep firm and die for the Faith. I do not hope to see you again on earth. If they kill me, I will die confessing my Faith. If I live, I will not cease to preach.” The 31^st March, he was condemned to death, but the English consul obtained for him the commuted sentence of perpetual imprisonment. Weighted down with chains, exhausted with years and torture, he was dragged from place to place in the retinue of the king, always serene, never a complaint. After 3 months, 28^th August, 1855, he lay beside the road to die. The guards loosed his shackles and buried him. He was beatified in 1926 by Saint Pius XI the Great.

293. Saint Gertrude Angerer, martyr.

294. Saint Maria Noar, martyr. Both were Austrian martyrs of purity. Saint Gertrude was born the eldest of 10 children, the 13^th February 1798, in Telfes, in the Austrian Tyrol, of a deeply pious country family. At 18, Gertrude was a healthy and attractive young woman of firm religious convictions. In 1816, a certain Ignatz came to the area, a pervert who frequented the woods looking for girls and young women to abuse. One of his victims had been Saint Maria Noar, friend of Saint Gertrude, who, attacked by Ignatz, contrived to flee, but fell, receiving such injuries that she died after several months. The 23^rd March, Gertrude had some errands in the city of Holl, some 2 hours distant. In Holl she learned that Ignatz was prowling in the neighbourhood. Before returning, she heard Holy Mass, commending herself fervently to the Most Holy Virgin. In company with a friend, she returned home, conversing about the sufferings of the martyrs and her desire to die for the faith. Soon they parted ways, and the holy martyr continued alone. Ignatz met her, and invited the young woman to sin. Gertrude tried to convince the poor man of the evil of sin and firmly refused. The pervert tried to force her, even threatening to use his hatchet. Saint Gertrude resisted heroically, until the unhappy wretch twice struck her head with the weapon, and fled. Later, some passersby found the victim in a pool of blood, still alive, and carried her to their house. After 35 hours of intense suffering, Saint Gertrude gave up her pure soul to God, pardoning her murderer, and from the grave the martyr of purity was soon glorified. That very day, Ignatz was captured, imprisoned and condemned to death, but unrepentant, he rejected the priest. However, in a terrifying dream, he saw God condemning him to hell. Awake, and horror-struck, suddenly he saw his cell illumined by the presence of the gloriously resplendent Saint Gertrude, with crown of gold and holding a palm. “Ignatz,” she spoke to him, “why do you condemn yourself? Do you not see God wishes to pardon you, as I have done? Repent this day and invoke God’s mercy, because the time of grace ends for you today.” The unhappy man burst into tears, called for the priest, and with deep sorrow, confessed, and accepted death in expiation for his sins. He begged pardon from Gertrude’s family, as well as of the dying Saint Maria Noar, his previous victim, who died generously pardoning her repentant assailant.

295. Saint William Allen, Cardinal. In 1532, the year King Henry VIII set out on his evil path of breaking with the Pope, there was born in Fylde (Lancs, England), William Allen, of a deeply Catholic family of substance. At the time when the accession of the child king Edward VI let loose the heretics to destroy all that until then had been held sacred and pious at Oxford, there arrived at that venerable University the future Cardinal Allen. At the Catholic restoration of Mary Tudor, he was named, in 1556, principal of the College of Saint Mary; but with her death and the accession of Elizabeth I, he fled to Belgium. Saint William engaged in religious controversy and wrote various pamphlets. Visiting England, he did much to confirm the faith of many, opposing those who wished outwardly to conform to the new religion. In 1565, he was ordained in Belgium, while Elizabeth and her government sought him with intense hatred. During a pilgrimage to Rome, he saw in a vision the means to save England, and in 1568, founded a college at the Univeristy of Douay, established by Saint Philip II, King of Spain. From all England, there gathered at the new College wise and zealous men. At Rome, with Pope Gregory XIII, he founded the English College. He was criticized for having brought forward for ordination men of simple state, former servants, shoemakers, and so forth. However, these men, through their constancy in the Faith, and at times through martyrdom, justified the holy founder. When news came of a martyrdom, a solemn Mass of thanksgiving would be celebrated. The English College at Douay was the first seminary to be organized according to the norms of the Council of Trent. Government spies tried to murder Saint William, and even sacrilegiously entered the community. Persecuted in Douay, the seminary moved to Rheims for 15 years, where the saint was appointed canon by the Cardinal of Rheims. Pope Sixtus V called him to Rome and raised him to the cardinalate in 1587. Together with Saint Philip II, he advised armed intervention to dethrone Elizabeth I, but the Armada was destroyed when, contrary to the counsel of the Pope, there was a year’s delay. As Cardinal in Rome, his life was model of simplicity and poverty. His charity caused him to contract debts, and even his bed was loaned to him by the Spanish ambassador. He worked in two of the Roman Congregations as well as on the revision of the Latin Vulgate Bible. He was venerated as a peacemaker. Seeing death approach, he rejoiced and died fortified by the Sacraments on the 16^th October, 1594, his only regret that, whereas his seminaries had already given more than 70 martyrs to the Church, he himself was not to achieve that happiness. His body rests in the English College in Rome.

296. Saint Vincent Kadlubek, Bishop. Born in Karnow about 1150, he studied in France and Italy, obtaining a Master’s Degree and discharging various ecclesiastical offices. In 1208, he was named Bishop of Krakow. At that time, the country was suffering crises of political and religious disorder. The holy Bishop applied himself with all zeal to introduce into Poland the reforms imposed by the Supreme Pontiff Saint Innocent III. Saint Vincent sought help from the religious orders and, to increase the influence of the regulars, he became a benefactor of many monasteries, while at the same time, he preached and made pastoral visitations. He took active part in political questions and sought the well-being of the people. In 1218, he resigned the government of his diocese and retired to a reformed Cistercian monastery, where he made his religious profession. He wrote a famous history, becoming the first Polish chronicler. Saint Vincent Kadlubek died in his monastery on the 8^th March 1223, with great fame of sanctity. Saint Clement confirmed his ancient cult in 1794.

297. Saint John Baptist Cieplak, Bishop. He was born 17^th August, 1857, in Dabrowa Garniczna, of the part of Poland under Russian rule. His mother having died, he went to live with his grandmother, a firm and pious woman who brought him up with a mother’s love. In 1873, he entered the seminary at Kielce, where his piety and studies gained him a scholarship in the Academy of Saint Petersburg. Ordained in 1881, he sang his first Mass in his native town, on the Feast of the Assumption, which for his father became a memorable day. Then he remained for 25 years as professor in Saint Petersburg. In the anti-Catholic atmosphere of Imperial Russia, he accomplished a great apostolate as professor and pastor. He ministered to the faithful, the religious, the orphans, and the aged. All loved him, those of the Polish colony as well as a good number of Russians. In 1908, when he was consecrated Bishop, it was the last time that such a ceremony was to take place in a Catholic Church in Russia. However grand it was to be Archbishop of the most extensive diocese in the world, this poor miner’s son left all his goods and set out on an apostolic mission. He traversed the snow-covered plains of Siberia, camping on the ground and reaching places that had never before seen a bishop, even to the shores and isles of the Pacific. Everywhere he lived the austere life of his flock. He confirmed 21,000 persons, and accomplished a mission as consoling as it was extensive. Later, he visited the western part of his territory, confirming, ordaining seminarians, even celebrating Pontifical High Mass in the open. The 1917 Revolution soon brought the holy archbishop before the communist tribunals. The Church had been persecuted by Imperial Russia, and now it was to be persecuted almost to extinction by communist Russia. The saint could have saved himself by collaborating with the atheist government, but from the depths of his Catholic and Polish heart, he declared: “Never.” He was condemned to death and suffered a year of Calvary in prison; then, inexplicably, he was released. On the 8^th May, 1924, Feast of Saint Stanislaus, patron of Poland, he arrived at Rome and was received by Saint Pius XI the Great, who was profoundly moved. Saint John Baptist Cieplak loved Russia with all his heart and desired to return. Meanwhile he visited the United States of America to encourage his compatriots. There, in hundreds of parishes and Catholic institutions, he preached from morning to night. This was his last mission; ill and broken by constant labours, he died in Passaic, New Jersey, 17th February, 1926.

298. Saint Augustine Gzotic, Bishop. Born about 1260 in Trogir (Dalmatia), he entered the Dominicans before he was 20. After his profession, he studied at the University of Paris, and after ordination, he preached with great effect and founded several Dominican houses in his own country. With great charity and prudence, he preached missions in Bosnia and Italy. Later he was sent to preach in Hungary, where constant civil war had produced much misery, both material and moral. There he met Cardinal Nicholas Boccasini, Apostolic Legate, who had been Superior General of the Dominicans and later was to become Pope Saint Benedict XI; and in 1303, as Pope, he consecrated Saint Augustine Gazotic Bishop of Zagreb, Croatia. This diocese was in urgent need of reform, both of the clergy and of the faithful. To this end, the new bishop laboured 13 years with all his strength, summoning disciplinary synods and making pastoral visits as well as urging sacred and biblical studies. After returning from the Council of Vienna (1311-1312), he was persecuted by Miladino, governor of Dalmatia, against whose tyranny he had protested. He had the gift of healing, and many were the afflicted who sought his help. After re-establishing discipline and morality in Zagreb, he was moved to the See of Lucera (Benevento, Italy). There again he laboured with all his strength to eliminate the moral and religious corruption left in the wake of the Saracens. Almost all the Moslems remaining in the city were converted. His brothers in religion zealously supported him, and in 5 years, the region was radically changed. He died in 1323, and his cult was confirmed in 1702.

299. Saint Henry Zdik, Bishop. Little if anything is known of his life before he became Bishop. Born in Moravia (today, part of Czechoslovakia), he was consecrated Bishop of Olomuc. In 1137, he made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he took the habit of the Premonstratensians. He underwent a spiritual rebirth, which brought back a new man to re-dedicate himself to his pastoral mission. He founded together with others the Abbey of Strahov, to which he called the Premonstratensians of Steinfeld. In memory of his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he named the abbey “Mount Sion.” He restored the monastery of Litomerice, of which he is known as the second founder, giving it the new name of “Mount of Olives.” He endured many trials in restoring discipline among his clergy, especially in re-establishing celibacy, and for this reason he decided to consult the Holy Father. The day he set out for Rome, he was met by an armed group sent to kill him. He was about to lose his life, when there arrived opportunely a papal legate, which made unnecessary his journey to Rome. The Pope’s representative gave him all the support and authority needed to effect the reforms, to which the holy bishop with renewed strength rededicated his labours. He died in 1150, and although his cult had not received official approbation, he has been venerated as blessed in Czechoslovakia for his magnificent services to the Church.

300. Saint Andrea Franchi Boccagni, Bishop. Son of a noble family of Pistoia (Italy), he entered quite young in the Dominican Order. Great preacher and able administrator, he was superior successively of 3 convents. In 1378, he was made Bishop of Pistoia, discharging his office for 23 years with zeal and prudence. He promoted peace, used the diocesan revenues to build churches and help the poor. His life was of great simplicity, and as far as possible he observed the rule of his Order. A year before he died, he resigned his office to prepare himself for the Judgment of God. He died on the 26^th May, 1401. In 1921, Saint Benedict XV confirmed the cult of Saint Andrea for the Order of Saint Dominic and the Diocese of Pistoia.

301. Saint Odon, Bishop. Born in Orleans in the middle of the XI^th century, he became one of the wisest and greatest masters of his time in France. The Canons of Tournai gave him the charge of the Cathedral school. His teaching genius and his authoritative and attractive character drew students from nearby as well as from Normandy, Saxony, and Italy. In addition to philosophy, rhetoric and logic, he taught astronomy. Often he was to be found on a clear night atop the cathedral with his disciples, pointing out the constellations and the movement of the planets. He was so given to secular studies that he had no time to read theology or the Fathers of the Church. Five years passed, when one day, to prepare a lecture, he had to consult a work of Saint Augustine. It was the first time he had opened a work of the great doctor. The reading finished, he burst into tears, lamenting the vanity of his past life. The conversion was sudden and entire. He reduced the hours of instruction, gave all his money to the poor, spent long hours in Church, practiced severe mortification, and in a few months was worn out by penance. He would not remain in the world, and the archbishop and people, not wishing to lose him, gave him to live in the abandoned abbey of Saint Martin. At first Saint Odon and some former students lived there as canons, but after three years he adopted the Rule of Saint Benedict and was elected Abbot of Saint Martin’s. Thirteen years later, Pope Pascual II made him bishop of Cambrai, in place of Gaucher, who for simony and investiture by Henry IV, was deposed and excommunicated. As the following of the Emperor Henry IV was strong in Cambrai, Saint Odon could not assume government of his diocese until Henry died the following year. However, for refusing the investiture, this time at the hands of Henry V, he was exiled. He found refuge in Anchin, where he wrote various works, among which is found an exposition of the Canon of the Mass, a treatise on original sin, a harmony of the Gospels, and a Psalter in 4 languages. He died in Anchin in 1113.

302. Saint Lanfranc, Bishop. Lanfranc Beccaria was born in Grupello, near Pavia (Italy). As Bishop of Pavia during the second half of the XIIth century, he fought a hard battle with the civil authorities, who wished to confiscate Church property. When the conflict was at its worst, he withdrew to the monastery of Saint Sepolcro, seeking guidance from heaven and strength to continue, because Saint Lanfranc was a man of peace. At his return, hostilities subsided for a time. Later, the authorities demanded a good part of the ecclesiastical revenues to complete the fortifications of Pavia. In conscience, the Bishop had to refuse these demands. The authorities formulated a law making it a criminal offense to bring any kind of food to the Bishop. Threatened in this fashion, the holy bishop presented his case at Rome before Pope Clement III, who sent a grave admonition to the authorities of Pavia and ordered the bishop to return to his diocese. The saint obeyed at once. Meanwhile, a man of known piety, Salimbene, a friend of his, had succeeded in the office of mayor. Saint Lanfranc entered his diocese to the acclamation of the people, and there was peace from that time. After 15 years as Bishop, old and infirm, Saint Lanfranc withdrew from office, meaning to become a Vallambrosian monk. But before this was possible, his illnesses worsened, and he died in 1194. His cult was approved for the diocese of Pavia.

303. Saint Roger le Fort, Archbishop. He was born in 1277, of noble French parents, and little is known about him before his elevation to the See of Orleans, which was the result of a jest of the Saint himself. Seeing the Canons try at all costs each one to be elected Bishop of Orleans, Saint Roger rebuked them for considering more the honour of the office than its grave responsibilities, saying jokingly: “I hope the electors think of me, since I wish also to become a Bishop.” He was taken at his word, all the canons were informed, and the assembly elected Roger by acclamation. The prelate who was presiding rose to say: “Brethren, heaven and earth are witness that you have chosen the noble Roger. In full accord, I declare him to be elected whom you have chosen, a man of eminent holiness and prudence. The Holy Ghost has clearly spoken, and we may not resist his voice without incurring grievous fault.” Saint Roger protested in vain that he had been joking, that he did not want to be Bishop, nor did he have the qualities required. But the people ratified the election and, his protests notwithstanding, Saint Roger was obliged to accept the office. He was later transferred to the See of Limoges, and in 1343 was named Bishop of Bourges. History recalls him particularly for having introduced the Feast of the Immaculate Conception into his diocese and for his labours to promote this devotion. He died in 1367 at 90 years of age, bequeathing all his possessions to enable sons of poor families to be properly educated. The piety of the holy archbishop had won the veneration of the people, and his tomb at once became a place of pilgrimage and of miracles. His cult had not received official approval, but the “Acta Sanctorum” makes mention of him.

304. Saint Matteo de Girgenti, Bishop. Born in Girgenti (Sicily), at 18 he renounced his fortune and a brilliant career in the world to take the habit of the Conventuals of Saint Francis. After hearing the preaching of Saint Bernardine of Sienna, he changed to the Observants of Saint Francis, becoming in time one of the intimate friends of Saint Bernardine, with whom he traveled and preached throughout Italy. Considering the poor spiritual state of his own land, he returned to Sicily and preached untiringly, arousing the clergy and people from their apathy, especially through the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. For his zeal he was chosen Bishop of Girgenti, which he only accepted on the express order of Eugene IV. The first efforts of Saint Matteo were to re-establish discipline and eliminate simony, which caused great opposition. Having been calumniated, he was obliged to go to Rome to defend himself, where the Pope recognized his innocence, and restored him to his See. The holy prelate renewed his work of reform, and again he was accused of causing dissension. Judging himself incapable of ruling a diocese, he sought permission to resign his office, and the Holy Father finally consented. When he sought to enter the Monastery he himself had founded, the superior refused him admission, saying that one who, through ambition, had tried to govern a diocese whilst incompetent to discharge such an office, would only serve to destroy the peace and harmony of a community. Humiliated by his own religious, he found refuge among his former friends, the Conventuals, though shortly during his last illness, as the Observants could not provide medical attention, they sent him back to the Conventuals, where he died in holiness in 1450. His cult was confirmed in 1767.

305. Saint Bartolomeo Breganza, Bishop. Born at the beginning of the XIII century, he received the habit of Saint Dominic in 1220 from the hands of the holy Founder, in his native city of Vicenza, and in time became a notable superior of several houses in succession. At that time there was an urgent need for strong and holy bishops in the Near East, because of the abuses of the Crusades, and Saint Bartolomeo was named Bishop of Cyprus. He went to the Holy Land for consultation with Saint Louis, King of France. Later, as Papal Legate, he was sent to England. King Henry III of England being in Aquitaine (Southeast France), the Saint went there and accompanied that king to Paris, again to encounter Saint Louis. In 1256, Pope Alexander IV moved Saint Bartolomeo to the See of Vicenza, where he was at once confronted by the violent Ghibelline leader, Ezzelino da Romano, who temporarily forced the saint to withdraw from his diocese. Returning to his See, Saint Bartolomeo devoted all his energy to his flock, rebuilding the churches the Ezzelino had destroyed and doing his utmost to pacify the Venetian cities. In 1271, four years before his death, he assisted at the second translation of the relics of Saint Dominic, on which occasion he pronounced the panegyric. The people venerated Saint Bartolomeo as Blessed, and his cult was confirmed in 1793.

306. Saint Giovanni Tavelli, Bishop. Born in the town of Tossignano, near Imola (Italy), called Giovanni de Tossignano, he studied at the University of Bologna and entered the Congregation of the Jesuits founded by Blessed Giovanni Colombina, dedicated to the care of the sick. Besides fulfilling his duties in religion, Saint Giovanni wrote several works, including a treatise on perfection, a biography of the holy founder, a translation of Saint Gregory’s “Morales,” and likewise of various works of Saint Bernard. In 1431, he became Bishop of Ferrara, and in his Cathedral, 7 years later, was celebrated the Council of Ferrara, summoned by Pope Eugene IV to unite the Churches of East and West against the threat of Mohammedanism. The holy Bishop gave hospitality to the Pope, the Emperor and the Patriarch of Constantinople, until the Council was moved to Florence. Despite his various activities, he never ceased to devote himself to his flock, much loved for his goodness and charity. In 1444 he donated a large sum for the building of a hospital; he dies in 1446, and was beatified in 1748.

307. Saint Juvenal Ancina, Bishop and martyr. Born in Fossano (North Italy), 19^th October 1540, of a distinguished Spanish family, he had deep piety but planned a career in the world. At 14 he began to study medicine at the University of Montpelier. A brilliant student, he also studied at the University of Padua and at 24 obtained a Doctorate in Philosophy and Medicine at the University of Turin, where he was given the Chair of Medicine. He attended numerous patients, assisting the poor gratuitously. With the gifts of a true poet, he wrote poems and hymns in Latin and Italian, including an ode on the death of Pope Saint Pius V and two epigrams in honour of Saint Thomas More. One day at a Requiem Mass, he was deeply moved by the “Dies Irae.” In extraordinary manner, he understood the meaning of our judgment after death. Hitherto of irreproachable life, he saw that God was asking something more of him. Without knowing what, he gave himself fervently to prayer and began to part with his worldly goods. When the Earl Frederico Marucci, Ambassador of the Duke of Savoy to the Holy See, offered him the post of personal physician, he resigned his chair in Turin and accompanied the Earl to Rome. There he arrived in 1575, and as personal physician, he was able to devote much free time to the study of Theology. In Rome he met many who were eminent in holiness and wisdom, among them Saint Philip Neri, who invited him to enter the Congregation of the Oratory, recently founded. Ordained priest after four years, he was sent in 1586 to Naples to found the first Oratory outside of Rome. In Naples he preached to such effect that even the critical Neapolitans were dazzled, and there were some notable conversions. After ten years of a most fruitful and varied apostolate in Naples, he was called to Rome to replace Baronio, a man of great wisdom, recently made Cardinal. Saint Juvenal loved music, which he promoted within the Oratory, convinced of the good that music does to souls. In 1602, the Duke of Savoy asked Saint Clement VIII to appoint bishops for the two vacant dioceses in his domains, and the Holy Father personally asked Father Juvenal to accept one of these. On the 1^st September, he was consecrated bishop of Saluzzo. One of his first acts was to restore the Forty Hours, a practice long discontinued in Piedmont. He met Saint Francis de Sales and became his close friend. At the end of 1603, he began the visitation of his diocese. Miraculous cures and predictions multiplied. The Saint had the gift of foretelling approaching death. Before he set out on the visitation, he prophesied his own death. This took place a few weeks after the visitation. Poisoned by a Franciscan whom the holy bishop had reproved for his immoral relations with a nun, he died on the 31^st August, 1603. A Carthusian wrote: “He died for the virtue of religion and of Christ, and therefore he is a martyr. Like Saint John the Baptist, Juvenal gained the palm of martyrdom for fearlessly speaking the truth.” At the funeral took place many miracles. In place of a “Requiem,” the Mass of the Holy Ghost was celebrated. Beatified in 1869 by Saint Pius IX the Great.

308. Saint Jean I of Valence, Bishop. When quite young, he became a cathedral canon of Lyons (France), where he had been born. He desired to enter the Abbey of Citeaux but, uncertain of his strength, he chose instead to go on pilgrimage to Compostela. He experienced a terrifying dream and quickly set out for Citeaux, where he proved so exemplary a monk that he was sent to found the Abbey of Bonnevaux. In 1141 he was named Bishop of Valence, a diocese that had suffered greatly under the unworthy Bishop Eustache, a hard and strange man whom Saint Bernard had rebuked and the Holy See excommunicated. Nevertheless, this bishop had persisted in office until the exasperated people sent him away. Three days later, the unwilling abbot of Bonnevaux was led to the Cathedral to be consecrated bishop. Time showed that the people were right; the new bishop was an admirable pastor and charitable administrator. After 5 years he died, venerated as a saint. His cult was confirmed in 1901 by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

309. Saint Richard Challoner, Bishop. He was born in Lewes (Sussex, England), 29^th September 1691, in a Protestant family. His father having died, his mother found employment in a distinguished Catholic family of Firle. Experiencing there the Catholic traditions, the Divine worship in secret, the sincerity of the ancient faith, and observing the priests who came and went, the youth was deeply impressed and, at about 13 years of age, with his mother as it seems, entered the Catholic Church. Mother and son moved to another Catholic house in Warkworth, and again they lived the traditions of a noble Catholic family. Here Richard received an education under a celebrated priest, himself an Anglican convert. In 1705, he entered the seminary at Douay (France), and at 21, while still pursuing his studies, held office as professor; and at 25 he was ordained. The president of the seminary wrote of him: “He excels in learning as in piety.” He was given constantly more responsibilities and was spiritual father of many seminarians. But despite his valuable contribution spiritually and otherwise to the seminary, Saint Richard Challoner longed to work as a missionary, and in 1730 he departed for England. In those days, although the anti-Catholic laws were not rigorously enforced, a priest in England was always in danger. There are fine testimonies on the missionary life of Saint Richard, on his exact fulfillment of priestly duties, his continual prayer and practice of meditation, of his visits among the faithful, always the exemplary priest, simple and charitable, of how he frequented the prisons, hospitals and houses of the poor, with greater pleasure than when visiting the rich. His written works came to form a complete library for the spiritual needs of the faithful. To avoid arrest on account of his writings, he was obliged to return to Douay in 1738. On the 31^st January, 1741, he was consecrated bishop, and for the next 40 years as Vicar Apostolic he fulfilled his mission as good shepherd for a persecuted and widely scattered flock. He traveled, visited, preached amidst hardships and persecutions, never hesitating to sacrifice himself. A man of prayer, he found there the strength to persevere to the end. The faithful considered him a saint, according him the title ‘venerable.’ Saint Richard Challoner died 12^th January, 1781, at the age of 89. His body rests in Westminster Cathedral.

310. Saint Giacomo de Voragine, Archbishop. Born 1230 in the village of Viraggio, today Varazze, near Genoa (Italy), at 14 he entered the Order of Preachers. After several years of intense preparation, he began to preach in the Churches of Lombardy and soon became famous. He taught Theology and Sacred Scripture, was prior of the convent in Genoa, and in 1267, at the age of 37, the saint was elected Provincial of Lombardy. He was Provincial for 19 years and then was appointed Definitor (one who assists in the government of the Order), and in 1292 had to accept the Archiepiscopal See of Genoa. His government was continually disturbed by feudal wars, and in spite of his untiring efforts, he achieved no more than a truce, - and the feuds began again. Saint Giacomo did not forget his religious vow of poverty, and he used the revenues of his rich diocese to succour the needy and the victims of the civil war, and as well to endow hospitals and monasteries and to rebuild churches. He was an exemplary bishop and a model for the prelates of North Italy. Above all else, Saint Giacomo de Voragine is famous for his writings. He is the author of the book known as the “Legenda Aurea” (Golden Legends), the most widely spread collection of lives of the saints. As a book of devotion, it is a work of art, which has done more than any other of its kind to teach the Christian faithful to love God and to hate sin. Saint Giacomo de Voragine died in 1298, and his ancient cult was confirmed in 1816.

311. Saint Gil of Portugal. Son of the Governor of Coimbra, his father had planned for him to serve the Church. He studied in Coimbra, achieving distinction for his intellectual brilliance. King Sancho the Great had acquired for him the office of Canon and other benefices, although the youthful Gil did not assume these offices with an upright intention, rather scandalizing the faithful with his abominable behaviour. The erring youth studied the arts of magic and gave himself up to his vices, even making a pact with Satan, signed in his own blood. He practiced medicine with great success, but at the time the wretch was buried in vice. It pleased God to reveal the splendour of his infinite mercy in Gil, who had several terrifying visions. With tears he lamented: “Oh Lord, I will change my life, but I beseech your infinite mercy, forgive me for not listening to your first call.” He left Paris. With bleeding feet and half dead, he came to Valencia, where the Dominicans received him with much charity. Soon he took the habit and passed his remaining years in most edifying manner. Diabolical attacks were not wanting, but he persevered in prayer and penance. After 7 years, the Blessed Virgin restored to him the pact he had signed in his own blood. He became Provincial of the Order in Portugal, but he had to resign because of his great age. His last days in the Santarem were favoured with many ecstasies as well as the gift of prophecy. He died on Ascension Day, 14^th May, 1265, and was beatified by Benedict XIV in 1748.

312. Saint Nunho Alvarez. Saint Nunho Alvarez de Pereira, son of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, was born in Lisbon in 1360, and at 17 was married. At 23, he was placed in command of the armed forces of Portugal by the Grand Master of the Knights of Aviz, who was later to come to the throne with the name John I. Together they defeated the army of Castile, and achieved the independence of Portugal. At the death of his spouse in 1422, Saint Nunho entered the Carmelite convent of Lisbon that he himself had founded. There he passed the remainder of his life, dying on All Saints’ Day, 1431, while reading from Saint John’s Gospel the words: “Behold thy Mother.” Saint Benedict XV beatified him in 1918.

313. Saint Fernando of Portugal. Fernando was born in Santarem, 29^th September, 1402, son of the King, John I of Portugal. Despite his weak health, he was devout from childhood and always lived in austerity. As a youth, he recited the canonical hours of the breviary and kept himself apart from the dissipated life of the court. At the death of the king, the older son Eduardo ascended the throne and decided to send an expedition against the Moors in Africa. At the time of sailing, Ferdinand was unwell, but he hid his illness so as not to delay the departure. The first objective was Tangiers, but although they attacked with great boldness, the engagement proved disastrous, because of their smaller strength. The Portuguese had to accept humiliating conditions, leaving Ferdinand behind as hostage. The saintly prince was interned in the town of Argilla, where for 6 months he lay prostrate with grave illness. When the Moors understood that Portugal was not going to honour the terms of the treaty, they vent their wrath on the unfortunate hostages. These were sent in 1438 to Fez, and there, weighed down by chains, performing humiliating chores, sleeping in fetid dungeons, Saint Fernando was not once heard to complain about the insufferable conditions or about his captors. He was more concerned about the condition of his companions. During his final 15 months of prison, he was separated from his companions in an airless dungeon. The 6^th year of imprisonment saw him favoured with a vision of Our Lady, Saint Michael and Saint John the Evangelist. He passed from the pestilential darkness of his dungeon to Heaven and light eternal on the 5^th June, 1443. Beatified by Paul II in 1470.

314. Saint Joana of Portugal. Daughter of the King Alfonso V, from childhood she found no pleasure in worldly delights and preferred to devote herself to the service of God. Only 2 or 3 of her ladies-in-waiting knew that the saintly princess wore a hairshirt, took the discipline, and passed hours of the night in prayer. At sixteen, when her father was planning her marriage, she asked his leave to enter religion, but was allowed only to lead a life of retirement within the palace. In 1471, for reason of an expedition against the Moors, Saint Joana received a conditional permission. The saint distributed her personal goods, and on the 4^th August, 1472, entered the Dominican convent of Aveiro. On more than one occasion, members of her family, who resented her refusal of the marriages they proposed, disturbed the peace of the convent. Saint Joana of Portugal died during an epidemic at the age of 38. She was beatified by Innocent XII in 1693.

315. Saint Blanca of Castile. Daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England, she was born in the year 1185. At 15, she was married to Louis of France on the 25^th May, 1200, in Purnor (Normandy), and with the promise of peace between England and France, the nuptial feast became celebrations of peace, hopes which, unfortunately, were not to be realized. In these happy circumstances, this princess of Castile, beautiful in soul as she was of countenance, took her place one day to share the throne of France, and from the first moment, the people understood what treasure of virtue they possessed in their future queen. The then King, Philippe Auguste, died in 1223. Finding himself obliged to wage war, Louis VIII left the capital, having placed the government of his kingdom in the hands of his spouse, Saint Blanca who, beneath her mild and lovely beauty, hid the valour of a man in the heart of a woman. Against the most criminal calumnies hurled by the ambitious barons, the surest defence of the irreproachable honour of Saint Blanca was the tenderness of the young monarch during his last moments, naming his spouse Regent of France and tutor of his first-born son. To this son, the future king Saint Louis of France, that saintly mother could say: “I love you dearly, my son, but I would rather you fell dead at my feet than commit a mortal sin.” And soon his subjects recognized in him those virtues that make great monarchs illustrious. Faced by increasing hostility to her regency, the holy queen prepared the consecration of her son. Confiding in the justice of her cause, she formed a mighty army; and with herself at the head, accompanied by her son, set out to meet the ambitious barons. Her object accomplished, she treated the rebels with utmost prudence and generosity, not failing at the same time to penetrate the hypocrisy of these less than worthy barons. Repeatedly menaced by attempts against her own person, Saint Blanca fearlessly maintained her authority, disposed her military forces without, so that without a battle, she gained her object and the spontaneous love of her people. On the 25^th April, 1236, the holy regent handed over the government to the King Saint Louis IX, who with profound gratitude and respect, begged his mother to continue to help him as before with her wisdom and counsel. During his grave illness while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Saint Louis had left the government of France again in the hands of Saint Blanca. On one notable occasion she went to the church prisons and personally liberated a multitude of starving men, women and children, seized for not having paid a certain tax. The king was detained in the Holy Land for various grave and calamitous reasons, while continual labours and a constant fever consumed the strength of Saint Blanca. She took the Cistercian habit and died on the 1^st December 1252, amidst the tears and prayers of her people, for whom she had been a worthy queen and an affectionate mother.

316. Saint Bernardo Tolomei, founder. Born in Siena in 1272, he was educated by an uncle, a Dominican. Acquiring a doctorate at the University, Giovanni Tolomei, as he was called, discharged several municipal offices in Siena. Although he had always been devout, it seems he underwent a conversion. In 1312, on an occasion when he was to lecture on philosophy, instead he preached a sermon on contempt of the world. He resigned his office and withdrew to solitude outside the town, where he was joined by two others. They lived in the desert plain between the forests of Monte Amiata and the town of Siena. Busy tongues began to wag. The hermits were called madmen, or else subversives. Pope John XXII called them to Avignon to explain what they were doing and became impressed by these saintly hermits. He ordered them to adopt an approved monastic rule and they chose the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, with a white habit, not the black which is used today. The Saint took the name of Bernard, and the hermitage of Chiusuri began to be called Oliveto. Such were the beginnings of the Congregation of Our Lady of Monte Oliveto, and of their observance, as austere as that of primitive times. Growth was rapid, and within a few years, Saint Bernardo Tolomei had founded other houses, whose penitential life attracted more and more disciples. In 1344, Pope Clement VI confirmed the Order. Shortly afterwards there was an epidemic, and the monks zealously devoted themselves to the care of the afflicted. August 1348, the holy founder fell victim to the disease and died on Monte Oliveto on the 20^th, the day of his patron Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Confirming his cult in 1644, the Sacred Congregation of Rites declared him “worthy to be venerated among the Saints.”

317. Saint Pedro de Pisa. He was born 1355 in Pisa (Italy), when his father Pedro Gambacorta was governor of that city-state. He was brother of Saint Clara Gambacorta. At 25 he fled from his father’s house to consecrate himself to God, and in pilgrim dress, he found refuge in the solitudes of Monte Bello (Umbria). He lived on alms received in the nearby towns. Soon he was joined by 12 companions, according to tradition, 12 brigands whom the saint had converted. For his community Pedro wrote a Rule based on the writings of Saint Jerome, choosing him as Patron of the new congregation. When his father, Pedro Gambacorta, and three of his brothers were assassinated by Appiano, whom the governor had befriended, the saint was strongly tempted to leave his retirement and avenge the murder. Nevertheless, he followed the example of his sister Saint Clara, who generously pardoned the ingrate murderer, and he overcame the temptation. In 1421, Martin V approved the Congregation of the Hermits of Poor Brothers of Saint Jerome, and this spread through Italy. The saint lived on for 14 years, dying in Venice at the age of 80, in 1435. Beatified in 1693.

318. Saint Victoria Fornari-Strata, foundress. Victoria Fornari was born in Genua in 1562. She desired to enter a convent, but respecting the wishes of her father, she married Angelo Strata. It was a happy marriage for 9 years. Angelo took part enthusiastically in the charitable works of his spouse. He died in 1587, and for a long time Victoria could not be consoled, not only for herself, but also for her small children. However, her sorrow vanished when the Blessed Virgin appeared to her and said: “Victoria, my daughter, take heart and have confidence. It is my desire to take both mother and children under my protection. I only ask you to have complete confidence in Me.” Victoria immediately saw what she was to do, and all anxiety vanished. She took a vow of chastity, lived in retirement, dedicating her life to God, to her children and to the poor. She allowed nothing superfluous in the house and followed a rule of mortification. When once her children were independent, Saint Victoria presented to the Archbishop a project she had cherished for some time, the foundation of a congregation of nuns dedicated in a special way to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Archbishop approved in 1604, the saint with 10 companions took the habit, and made their profession the following year. The objective was to honour the Most Holy Virgin in the Mystery of the Annunciation, and in the hidden life at Nazareth. Each professed nun would add to her own name that of Maria Annunciata, promising obedience to the rule of strict enclosure of the new congregation. On one occasion of great danger, the Blessed Virgin appeared to the holy foundress and renewed her promise of infallible help. Saint Victoria governed the congregation of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of the Annunciation until her death on the 15^th December, 1617, always giving to her daughters example of penance, humility and deep charity. In 1828 she was beatified. Her daughters are distinguished by their blue habits from the Annunciatas founded by Saint Jeanne Valois.

319. Saint Alice le Clercq, foundress. One of the great works of the Counter-Reformation was the education of girls, and when Saint Pierre Fourier founded his congregation for this purpose, Alice le Clercq was his principal co-foundress; in this manner she was beatified by Saint Pius XII the Great in 1947. Alice was born in Remiremont (Lorraine) in 1576 in a well-known family. As a girl, she participated elegantly in all the fashions of her world, but little by little the vanity of her life became unbearable. One day in church, she saw at her side Our Blessed Lady, in an unknown religious habit, and heard her say: “Come, my daughter, I myself will welcome you.” Shortly afterwards, Alice met Saint Pierre Fourier. She had a vision of youths, drunk with pleasure, urged on to dance by Satan, and at once she changed her fine garments for the coarse dress of a countrywoman and placed herself under the direction of Saint Pierre. She learned in a dream that no existing form of religion corresponded to her vocation. With three young companions she consecrated herself to God; and after a retreat, they confided to Saint Pierre Fournier that they felt called by God to found a new congregation. The object would be to “teach girls to read, write and sew; but above all to love and serve God.” They declared that in their consecrated life they were not to make distinctions between rich and poor, and would not charge a penny because, as they said, - “this is more pleasing to God.” Saint Pierre finally accepted the intentions of the young women, and with Saint Alice le Clercq, proceeded to found new houses of religious. In 1616, the Holy See approved the Canonesses Regular of Saint Augustine, of the Congregation of Our Lady, and 13 religious started to wear the habit that Alice had seen in her vision of the Most Holy Virgin. Amidst great complications, Saint Alice had to resign the office of Superior General. She suffered personal attacks, spiritual desolation, and temptations. Yet, as her daughters testify, at the same time she took the sufferings of others upon herself. She had to practice her own maxim: one act of humility is worth more than 100 ecstacies. In 1621, she resigned as superior of the house at Nancy: her sickness was incurable. The whole city was disconsolate, from the Duke and Duchess to the schoolchildren and even the beggars. After a long agony, Saint Alice le Clercq died on the 9^th January, 1621, not having completed her 46^th year.

320. Saint Jeanne Delanou, foundress. Saint Jeanne, Foundress of the Sisters of Saint Anne of the Providence of Saumur, was born in Saumur, and for more than 25 years, her life was given to vanities. When her mother died, she inherited the house and shop, where her principal object was to make money. Soon was noticed the contrast with the time her mother would help the beggars who came to the door. As a child, Jeanne had been very devout, but the Jansenist atmosphere suffocated her piety. As a good Jansenist, she put the letter above the spirit; and thus she would buy her food shortly before mealtimes, and so be able to tell beggars truthfully that she had nothing to give them. In a moment of impulsive generosity, Jeanne took into her house a homeless woman, strange but devout, who contrived to awaken her conscience. God made use of the ragged woman to say to Jeanne: “I was hungry, and you did not give me to eat. I was thirsty and you did not give me drink.” Suddenly Jeanne Delanou grasped her true vocation. She distributed her fine garments, learned in an ecstacy that she was called to serve the most abandoned. Found in a stable a family of 8, sick with cold and hunger, - and she commenced her work. She closed the shop, turned her house into the “House of Providence,” with a dozen orphans. Tongues began to move, and when one of the children was killed in the collapse of the house, they said: “A fine house, the House of Providence.” But vocations were not wanting, and in 1704, on the day of Saint Anne, the new religious, “Sisters of Saint Anne,” wore the habit for the first time. They had insufficient room and had to refuse orphans and aged persons. In 1706, Saint Louis Marie de Montfort passed through Saumur. Jeanne consulted him, and the saint first rebuked her for her excessive mortifications. Yet he ended by saying: “Follow this path of yours. The Holy Ghost is your guide. Do not fear.” There followed a time of trials. In the year of scarcity of 1709, there were more than 100 persons in the House of Providence. Scurvy threatened their very existence. Unexpectedly, Divine Providence gave to the community the “House of the Three Angels,” and in 1717, the House of Providence became the “Great House of Providence,” and the congregation began to spread. Saint Jeanne Delanou had the most extraordinary mystical experiences. She practiced penances which later Saint Pius XII the Great called “incredible.” God permitted her to suffer atrocious pains and unknown infirmities. Saint Jeanne never thought she could do enough. She died on the 17^th August, 1736, and by that time the inhabitants of Saumur could say: “She was a great woman and a great Saint.”

321. Saint Jean Martin Moye, founder. He was born in 1730, in the diocese of Metz in a family of farmhands. Ordained in 1754, he received a profound impression of the prevailing misery, and he decided to found a congregation of religious who would take to heart the salvation of poor children. Without secure funds, but with deep faith, he began in 1763 and called his religious the “Daughters of Divine Providence.” The name Providence was a program embracing abandonment to God, Christian poverty, simplicity and charity. After the foundation in Lorraine, Saint Jean was removed by ecclesiastical order from his charge. Without employment, he decided on the foreign missions. Having confided the Sisters of Divine Providence to two excellent priests, his friends, he came in 1772 to China, where entrance was forbidden to missionaries. Despite the obstacle, he devoted himself to minister to an extensive territory, with the title of pro-vicar. The persecution did not curtail the zeal of Saint Jean Martin Moye. He reformed the customs of the missionaries. As before in Lorraine, now in China he decided to form schools. With his accustomed energy, he chose several widows and young women, instructed them, gave norms of prudence, and put the work in operation. The results were so favourable that the Vicar Apostolic requested the sisters for other districts. Thus was founded the Congregation of the Virgins Catechist. No less than in Lorraine could the saint escape contradictions and other hardships in China. He had to return to France, and arriving there in 1784, he could see how the Sisters of Divine Providence had prospered during his absence. He preached missions, also in Germany, during the following years. He tried to found a school for future missionaries, but the revolution came and disrupted everything. The new civil order provided an outlet for the zeal of Saint Jean. He went about bringing new strength to the harassed priests. Each day found him weaker, so he used the time to pray and visit the sick and poor. He died 4^th May, 1793, and was beatified 21^st November, 1954 by Saint Pius XII, who in his childhood had been a pupil of the Sisters of Divine Providence.

322. Saint Edmund Rice, founder. He was born of landed farmers near Callan (Kilkenny, Ireland), on the 1^st July 1762. In that area, after the depredations of Cromwell, the Catholic noble had recovered his estates, whereas the rest of Ireland remained under the yoke of oppression. From his parents, well situated and no less virtuous, Saint Edmund learned to practice the faith against the background of the disciplined life of a farmer. At 16, he went to Waterford as apprentice to an uncle, a merchant. Married at 23, he was left a widower after only a few years. He was a man of great charity, practicing a most generous apostolate of assistance to the poor and those in prison. Amidst commercial life, he frequented the Sacraments and sought in the Scriptures the principles of justice and charity a merchant ought to follow. For 50 years, his constant companion was “The Spiritual Combat” of Saint Lorenzo Scupoli. Feeling his vocation to religion, and painfully aware of the lack of schools, the prevailing poverty, and the loss of faith, the saint decided at the age of 38 to consecrate himself to the Christian education of poor boys. Abandoning his profitable career, he began his new work, heir to the heroic system of hedge schools, - so called for being poor and illegal, - and created a system of education as practical as it was full of piety, whose influence came to be truly transforming. Saint Edmund Rice always united education with religion. Years later when many ecclesiastics let themselves be deceived by the apparent benevolence of an educational system proposed by the government, and which separated the two, the saint immediately saw the anti-Catholic intention of the proposal. At the time when Napoleon was effectively undermining the millennial Holy Roman Empire, throwing down kings and nations, even profaning the sacred person of the Vicar of Christ, England had to fight for her very existence, and Saint Edmund Rice took this opportunity to found his Religious Institute, judging that the English government was not going to discuss questions of catechism while Napoleon was demolishing kingdoms. The Institute of the Christian Brothers spread throughout Ireland, and from every social class came vocations. The Saint communicated to his brothers his own zeal for souls, his universal charity, sublime ideals and heroic patience. A man of constant prayer, most devout towards the Blessed Sacrament and the most Holy Virgin, and in a special way towards Saint Teresa of Jesus, whose portrait he always kept in his room, the great founder died, humble and mortified, 29^th March, 1844.

323. Saint Philippine Duchesne, foundress. Rose Philippine Duchesne was born in Grenoble (Dauphine, France), in 1769. A child of strong character, she received an unusually extensive education. As a youth she entered the Visitation, but, at the Revolution, had to return home, where she did everything possible to live as a religious, assisting the sick and those in prison, and educating children. Later she was able to purchase the convent property, offer the house to Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, and in 1804 enter there herself, the Society of the Sacred Heart, where the holy foundress was her novice mistress. Philippine had to give up her personal penances, by order of her superior, and under obedience learn to dominate her imperious character. With the increase of years and sufferings, her character became sweeter, though without her losing enthusiasm. In 1818, Saint Philippine Duchesne was sent as superior to establish the Congregation in the United States of America. They reached New Orleans on the 29^th May, Feast of the Sacred Heart. Then began her exhausting missionary labours and journeys, years of prayer and self-sacrifice. The convent buildings and schools were cabins, the people a mixture of French, Creoles, English, Indians, and the climate was severe. After two years, Mother Philippine had opened a novitiate and she continued to establish schools. She almost died of yellow fever, after undertaking to care for one of those stricken. The years of hardship continued, and finally in 1840, at 70 years of age, Mother Philippine resigned her office. Later she withdrew to Saint Charles, Missouri, to a wretched cell with broken window. When she died on the 18^th November, 1852, the great missionary Pierre de Smet said: “She is the greatest saint who has died in Missouri, and perhaps in the United States. You must publish a fine biography.” She was beatified in 1940 by Saint Pius XII the Great.

324. Saint Marie Saint Ignace, foundress. Marie Claudine Thevenet, daughter of a silk merchant, was born 30^th March 1774 in Lyons, ancient city of Catholic Faith and Marian devotion, cradle of numerous religious congregations. She inherited from her parents great gifts of character and Christian piety. During the “reign of terror,” the city suffered terribly, and the family Thevinet lost two sons, showing their nobility of spirit in pardoning the revolutionaries. Observing the need for Christian education, Claudine began an apostolate of education and charity, in order, as she said, “to form souls for God.” Her self-sacrificing character attracted others, and in 1816 she founded the Pious Union of the Sacred Hearts, which, during many years under her direction, accomplished a notable apostolate both material and spiritual. In 1817, Claudine opened a Providence or asylum, installed looms for the girls to weave silk for the ancient and famous industry of Lyons. While the Pious Union continued its apostolate, the saint founded in 1818 her first religious convent, the Madames of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, known today as the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. The convent was also a Providence where the girls learned first of all to know and love God, also receiving an elementary education and acquiring a skill for earning a living. The work started with one abandoned child and one loom, but it grew and grew until it reached all the world’s five continents. Under her religious name of Marie Saint Ignace, the holy foundress continued “to form souls for God.” Orphans and the abandoned were the object of her care, and she greatly rejoiced to see the progress of the children and youths. The innumerable pupils of the houses of the Congregation would always respond to the maternal love of Mother Marie Saint Ignace. She was a great superior, who formed for God the souls both of her pupils and of her daughters in religion. She died on the first Friday of the month, 3^rd February, 1837. Her last words were: “How good God is.”

325. Saint Anne Marie Javouhey, foundress of the Congregation of St. Joseph of Cluny. She was born in Jallanges (Bourgogne) France in 1779, where her father was a prosperous farmer. The child, who was to be one of the most notable women of her time, showed early signs of strength of character, dominating her brothers and sisters. Still a child during the Revolution, Ann Marie faced danger helping priests and persecuted Christians. During a secret Mass at her house, she vowed her virginity to God and consecrated her life to the education of children and to the help of the poor. She entered various convents without finding her proper vocation. In a vision, she saw the children of many races, whom Heaven wished to give her in her own congregation. She founded a school in Chamblanc and when, after the coronation of Napoleon, Saint Pius VII passed through Chalon in 1805, he received Anne Marie and gave encouragement to her and to her companions. The work grew with foreign foundations. Mother Javouhey spent some years in Africa, founding hospitals and directing formidable undertakings. In the face of every difficulty, the youthful strength of Anne Marie concentrated itself in an unyielding will, heroic courage, and an intelligence at once simple and balanced. Her greatest crosses, including the deprivation of the Sacraments for two years by Episcopal order, coincided with her greatest accomplishments. In 1828, the government asked the holy foundress to undertake the colonization of a district of Guiana, where many men had already failed. Mother Javouhey and her religious set out to bring not only civilization to the South American jungle, but a Christian civilization; facing the resentment of other colonists, she remained imperturbable and intrepid. On one occasion she founded “as though by accident,” a village for lepers. As a result, there fell on her head a great indignation from Europe; but the king, Louis Philippe, remarked: “Madame Javouhey is a great man.” She passed her last years governing her congregation, now extended over the whole world. She died on the 15^th July, 1851, and was beatified by Saint Pius XII the Great in 1950.

326. Saint Marie Madeleine Victoire de Bonnault d’Honet, foundress. Born in Chateauroux 21^st September, 1781, she was a very intelligent and conscientious child, who at 3 years read stories from the Bible. When a youth, she practiced charity towards the poor and sick, and in dangerous circumstances, gave proof of great courage. In 1804, at 22, she married Antoine Joseph de Bonnault d’Honet, the two being very pious and charitable. In spite of her piety, Madame de Bonnault d’Honet was very fond of the elegant vanities of the world. The Lord desired to withdraw her from empty pastimes, and the youthful lady had several terrifying dreams that showed her the futility of such things. In 1809, she became a widow and set out on the way of perfection until she was 38, when she founded her great work, fruit of obedience both to divine inspiration and to her confessor, a Jesuit father. She had sent her son to the Jesuits in 1814, the year in which Saint Pius VII restored the Society of Jesus. Very devoted to the poor, the holy foundress taught catechism to the women employed in factories. She took in orphans, opened schools, and lived with her daughters in poverty and self-sacrifice. Saint Leo XII was so deeply impressed by the providential growth of the work that he dictated a letter of approbation on the day of Saint Ignatius in 1826. The holy Pontiff saw in the foundress an obedient and useful instrument in God’s hands. He admired the little community, whose object was to imitate the life of Jesus, to follow him in company with Mary and the holy women, - in short, to be the faithful companions of Jesus, unreservedly disposed to go wherever the Lord might send them, absolutely obedient to the Vicar of Christ, confiding wholly in the promise of the Lord: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice, and the rest will be added to you.” Saint Marie Madeleine Victoire, foundress of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, died after many labours and infirmities, 5th April, 1858.

327. Saint Luigi Pavoni, founder. Born 1784 in Brescia (Lombary), he was a serious child, who began to discover his vocation when during the holidays he would play with other boys in the country and teach them catechism. The Revolution had closed all the seminaries, and young Luigi studied with the Dominicans until his ordination in 1807. At 34 he was appointed cathedral canon and parish priest of Saint Barnaby. There was an old unused convent by the Church, and the new pastor wished to turn it into an institution to harbour abandoned children in a family atmosphere. With the support of the Bishop, Saint Luigi Pavoli inaugurated his Oratory, as such an institute was called. The next 20 years were for the holy founder a succession of notable accomplishments alternating with the most troublesome negotiations with the Austrian authorities of the time, in his efforts to set up a press and a school of crafts. The Oratory distinguished itself in the Exposition of Brescia, and Saint Gregory XVI praised the foundation, calling it “una buona cosa” – “a good thing.” The saint also took on a group of deaf mutes. Although many of his boys were the cast-offs of society, Saint Luigi determined to make them good Christians and good workers. Like Saint John Bosco later, rather than be a severe master, he preferred being a kindly father who loved his sons with all his heart. That the institution might continue, the saint wished to found a congregation and purchased a property in Saiano, near Brescia, where he restored the old buildings, established an agricultural school, and moved the school of deaf mutes to their new home. On the 8^th of Dec ember, 1847, Saint Luigi Pavoni made his religious profession as Father General, founding on that day the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate. Shortly afterwards, the Lombards rebelled against Austria, and the holy founder judged it prudent to move all to Saiano. With all his boys, he walked in torrential rain and arrived with his troop, drenched and exhausted, in Saiano. He climbed the hill to see Brescia in flames, and the Oratory, too, where he had passed 30 years of his life. The following week, amidst the tears of his brothers and his boys, he died at the age of 66. It was Palm Sunday, 1^st April, 1849. All the day and night, the saint had heard the roar of artillery bombarding the city. He was beatified by Saint Pius XII the Great, in 1947.

328. Saint Placidia Viel. Victoire Eulalie Jacqueline Viel was born in the Norman town of Val-Vacher. She attended primary school until she was 16 and led the simple life of a farming family, keeping house for her brother. At that age she entered the congregation founded by Saint Marie Postel, taking the name of Placidia. The aged Mother Postel saw in the young religious a successor to govern the congregation. The holy foundress introduced Sister Placidia to administration, sent her to found new houses, and as well to arrange important business in Paris. Saint Marie Madeleine Postel died on the 16^th July, 1846, and the general chapter of the Sisters of the Christian Schools elected Saint Placidia to succeed her. For ten years the government was obstructed by her aunt, who had envisaged her own election. Saint Placidia traveled much throughout France, visiting the houses of the ever-growing congregation. She governed for 30 years, constantly adding to the number of orphanages, nurseries, workshops, and free primary schools. She succeeded in bringing to completion the building of the great church undertaken by the foundress. Speaking of the French scene in 1870, the Cardinal Bishop of Bordeaux applied to Saint Placidia what had been said of Saint Anne Marie Javouhey: “I know of only one person capable of restoring order to France . . . Mother Placidia of the convent of Saint-Sauveur-Vicompte.” Saint Placidia was of great amiability and simplicity. She had no notable spiritual trials nor mystical graces. Certain miraculous occurrences she attributed to the intercession of Saint Marie Madeleine Postel. She died on the 4^th March, 1877, and was beatified in 1951 by Saint Pius XII the Great.

329. Saint Teresa Eustochium Verzeri, foundress. She was born in Bergamo (Lombardy), 31^st July, 1801. Her mother belonged to the family of the Earls of Pedroca-Grumelli. The family Verzeri had great devotion to Saint Jerome. One of the sons, later Bishop of Brescia, was called Jerome, and Teresa had also the name Eustochium, in memory of the holy matron, disciple of Saint Jerome, foundress of a convent in Jerusalem. This name proved prophetic, and since her first Communion, Teresa was determined to become a religious. The resolution grew stronger, as with complete obedience she followed the directions of her father confessor. Saint Teresa devoted herself to teaching little girls, and this became the seed of the new congregation she was to found. Although her community lived austerely, it soon began to grow. Many young women entered, among whom were three sisters of Teresa and also her own mother, then a widow. The schools increased, as did the works of charity and the centres for young women living and working in dangerous circumstances, above all the spiritual retreats for women. Teresa suffered much opposition, many temptations and doubts. She went to Turin to meet Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, whose great Congregation was similar to her own work, both in name and in object. But she came to understand that God desired her own congregation, and she continued with heroic patience until it was confirmed in 1847, “the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart.” She lived another 5 years, consoled to see her congregation growing, and died on the 3^rd March, 1852. Beatified in 1946 by Saint Pius XII, the Great.

330. Saint Maria de Matias, foundress. She was born in 1805 in Vallecorso, between Lazio and Campagna. When she was 16, Saint Gaspar de Bufalo preached a mission in the parish, and Maria felt called to work for her neighbour. She observed the need of education and of moral reform, since at that time after the chaos of Revolution followed by the Napoleonic wars, there was needed a general reform. When her bishop asked her in 1834 to take charge of a school, the saint had already determined to found a congregation, inspired by that of Saint Gaspar de Bufalo: “The Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.” One of these father missionaries, the venerable Giovanni Merlini, was her spiritual director. Maria had already extended her work to young women and to married women, and soon other aspirants sought admission as religious. Saint Maria de Matias used her gifts to great effect. Besides teaching catechism and organizing associations for women, she gave spiritual retreats in the school to the younger and married women. As she was devoted to silence and recollection, she used her gift of speech with salutary effect. When her activities were opposed, the bishop supported Maria, to the great satisfaction of the matrons and young women. The holy foundress opened new houses, including two in Rome, all with the support of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. The expansion of the Adorers of the Precious Blood was accompanied by great trials for the Mother Foundress. Her strength failed, and she passed away in Rome, 20^th August 1866. She was beatified by Saint Pius XII the Great.

331. Saint Paula Frassinetti, foundress. After the flood of impiety following the French Revolution, it was imperative to restore Christian education. One who generously responded to this need was Paula Frassinetti. Born in Genoa, 3^rd March 1809, and of delicate health, she was sent by her parents to an older brother, the parish priest of Quinto. There her health improved, and she devoted herself to teaching poor children, and in a short time she had discovered her vocation. She felt inspired to gather others around her and to found an institute dedicated to education. She soon encountered difficulties, including the lack of resources. But her spirit of sacrifice, her burning zeal, her long hours of prayer at night, gained the desired end. The Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Dorothea spread and was approved in 1863 by the Holy See. Saint Paula had great wisdom and could read the secrets of hearts. Exhausted by unending work, she died in the Lord on the 11^th June, 1882. Beatified in 1930 by Saint Pius XI the Great.

332. Saint Marie de Jesus d’Outremont,

333. Saint Marie de Saint Victor d’Hoogvorst,

334. Saint Marie de Sainte Julienne d’Hoogvorst, foundresses. Saint Marie de Jesus, in the world Emilie Olympia Marie Antoinette, was born 11^th October, 1818, in the Castle of Wegimont near Liege (Belgium), of parents distinguished as much for faith and charity as for noble lineage. She inherited great gifts of character and piety, devoting her childhood to the spiritual life. As a young woman she was able to fulfill her obligations to elegant society according to her estate and, obedient to her father as to the Lord, she married Baron Victor d’Hoogvorst, and their life, exemplary as it was happy, was filled with works of piety and charity. Her spouse died in 1846, leaving his holy widow with two sons and two daughters. Shortly afterwards, Emilie consecrated herself to God by vow, and then began the conflicts between the tender heart of a mother and the demands of her supernatural vocation. The children asked each other how it might be possible to remain with their mother, whom they loved with all their hearts. God gave them the grace of a vocation, and the mother became as well a spiritual mother to her two daughters. On the 8^th December, 1854, day of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, the Most Holy Virgin appeared to Emilie and confided to her maternal heart the desire of her own Immaculate Heart. In that moment, in the soul of the saint was conceived the Institute of Maria Reparatrix, whose members were to take the place of the Mother of Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament, making reparation for innumerable offenses against Jesus, and to console Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Emilie set to work with all her energy, founding houses and forming her religious, without neglecting the care of her four children. When her daughters joined the community, a storm of criticism broke out. A family council declared the mother to be incompetent, and they appealed to the authorities, both civil and ecclesiastical, and as far as Rome. However, both mother and daughters remained firm, and the two sons were also loyal to their mother, who had by then become Mother Mary of Jesus. Olympia, the elder daughter, had been born in 1844. When at a private audience with the Pope at the age of 4, the Pontiff, Saint Pius IX the Great had said to her: “Olympia, you must become a great saint.” At 15, with the independence of spirit of the saints, she entered the convent with the name Mary of Saint Victor, and in a short time became Mother Superior and foundress of the first house in England. Model of heroic patience in the gravest sicknesses, she was cured miraculously at least five times, obeying the voice of her holy Mother Superior, ordering her to be cured.

Margaret, the younger daughter, was born in 1846, and when she entered the convent in 1860, likewise by free choice, she distributed all her possessions, including her jewelry, taking the name Mary of Saint Julienne. The holy foundress educated her younger daughter in an admirable way, correcting faults, encouraging her gift of contemplation, tempering the mortifications of the fervent novice, of whose gift of prayer Mother Mary of Saint Victor wrote: “How content I should be, to pray as she does.” The sufferings of her childhood had matured the character of Saint Marie of Saint Julienne, leaving her with tender compassion for those who suffer. She gave herself completely to the Lord and to her sisters in religion. The holy foundress Mary of Jesus found in Mary of Saint Victor her support, and in Mary of Saint Julienne her joy and rest. Soon however, the Divine Spouse was to call the two daughters to Himself. Saint Mary of Saint Julienne lived seven years in religion, and to all the houses where she was sent, she brought with her the joy and the peace of her own heart. She bore the sufferings of her painful illness with a great desire to see her heavenly Mother and died 23^rd January, 1867, at the age of 21. Saint Mary of Saint Victor live 14 years in religion, years full of labours and sufferings. Model of observance and of vigilant prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, she was very much loved by her daughters, to whom she gave herself completely. During her long illnesses, which she endured with deepest devotion towards the Blessed Virgin, she would repeat the words of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Ligouroi: “O holy Will of God, what happiness in loving Thee!” She ended her life of innocence and virtue on the 14^th December, 1872, at the age of 29. During her long agony, one of the religious suggested to the holy foundress: “Mother, perhaps Jesus is waiting for you to offer Him this flower.” “Ah,” replied Mary of Jesus, “I have already done so . . . many times.” For the Mother foundress there remained some years of labours and sufferings. By means of journeys or letters, she followed the religious life of all her houses, making use of her valiant character, commanding, yet tender and loving. During the night of her own desolation, she was still the unfailing consolation of her daughters. Having completed the mission confided to her maternal heart by the Mother of Jesus, Saint Marie of Jesus died, 22^nd February, 1878.

335. Saint Marie de la Providence, foundress. Eugenie Marie-Joseph Smet was born in Lille, 25^th March, 1825. Her parents placed her in the convent school of the Sacred Heart, where she remained from the age of 11 to 18, acquiring a solid piety and absolute trust in Divine Providence, as well as a constant devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Returning to the parental home, she drew up a plan of life, very active, preparing food for the poor and devoting herself to the reparation, embellishment and cleaning of nearby churches. She made a vow of perpetual chastity, and in November 1835, when her devotion to the Holy Souls was reborn with great fervour, she planned a Congregation dedicated especially to them. When the Archbishop of Cambrai refused to authorized the project, the saint directed an appeal to Saint Pius IX the Great, who with his own hand wrote a formula that set in motion an association of prayer dedicated to freeing the Holy Souls, blessed by himself, and under the patronage of the Archbishop of Cambrai and the Bishop of Belley. Thus, in hopes of founding a congregation dedicated to the holy souls, the energetic Eugenie set out for Paris at the head of a group of young women, and there great trials awaited them. Resources were lacking, but more serious was the lack of understanding between Mother Superior and the spiritual directors, - until there arrived several Jesuit fathers, who were able to put order into the community. Mother Marie de la Providence accepted the constitutions based on the rules of the Society of Jesus and, in 1868, Saint Pius IX the Great approved the Congregation of the Auxiliaries of the Souls in Purgatory. For a long time the holy Mother Superior had been suffering terrible pains, but her fatal disease did not keep the energetic foundress from attending to her houses. She died a few days after the Armistice of 1871, and her countenance, contracted by pain, recovered her attractive expression of tranquil confidence in God’s Providence. She was beatified in 1957 by Saint Pius XII the Great.

336. Saint Marie Therese de Soubiran, foundress. Sophie Therese Augustine Marie was born 16^th May 1835 in Castelnaudary near Carcassonne (France) of an ancient noble family. She joined a Marian Congregation where there were other pious young women who all felt called by God. At 19 she became superior of a new community in Castelnaudary, and with her companions she gave up her possessions, opened an orphanage, and practised nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Those first years were so difficult that the community was called the "house of suffering." In 1863, Mother Marie Therese, as she was called, with her companions, carried out the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, and God made it clear to her that she was to found the Society of Mary Auxiliatrix, as she had been thinking. The object would be to observe the religious life to the full, and to labour for "the most divine and human of all enterprises: the salvation of souls." In 1864 the convent moved to Toulouse, where the auxiliaries devoted themselves to the orphans and to the instruction of poor children and young workingwomen, as well as to nocturnal adoration each night. The Mother foundress based her constitutions on those of the Jesuits. In 1868 a novice of extraordinary ability infiltrated the community who, moved by perverse ambition, came to dominate and almost to destroy the congregation. In 1874 the Lord spoke to the holy superior general: "Your mission has terminated. Soon there will be no place for you in your congregation. But my power and my goodness will be with you". To which the Saint replied: "Amen." Expelled after 20 years of religious life, she sought admission elsewhere, and at 42, in the year 1877, she was professed in the convent of Our Lady of Charity in Paris. With extraordinary abnegation and trust in divine providence, the saint entered a time of deep tranquility of soul, and in this way of simple heroism obliged the Lord to watch over her orphaned daughters. Thus she died on the 7th June, 1889. She had written: "Only God can measure my sorrow. Time passes quickly, and soon we shall know the reason for many things that disconcert our intelligence." The saintly foundress had predicted that a year or two after her death all would be set right again in the society she had founded. And so it was, in 1890, when the Congregation recovered its original form. Later it was discovered that the usurping mother general had abandoned her husband, for which reason her vows were invalid; and for the same reason Saint Marie Therese de Soubiran had never ceased to belong to her congregation. She was beatified by Saint Pius XII the Great in 1946.

337. Saint Mary of the Cross, foundress. Mary McKillop was born 15th January 1842 in Fitzroy (Victoria, Australia) of Scottish parents. Before the first priest came to Victoria, the family participated in a prayer group at the home of a French carpenter. From her father, a former seminarian, Mary received an unusual education, in letters as well as religion. It was during the tumultuous era of the gold rush and of economic and political upheaval. Together with the great missionary, Father Julian Woods, the saint opened a school in a stable in Penola, which was to become the Bethlehem of the "Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus." The holy foundress put herself in the hands of the Divine Master so as to become schoolmistress for children, making the foundation on the 19th March 1866, Feast of Saint Joseph. On the feast of the Assumption, 1867, she took her vows under the name Mother Mary of the Cross. There were countless incomprehensions to support from the ecclesiastical authorities, while the holy foundress, on long and dangerous journeys, went in search of unity in the government of her Order. On one occasion the Bishop of Adelaide excommunicated her and closed the convents. During those years of ecclesiastical oppositions, however, she never lost her deep respect for the priesthood, and she would vigorously defend the ministers of the Lord. In 1874, amidst a sea of troubles, she made the difficult voyage to Rome and arrived when the eternal city was soothing with anti-clerical passions and hatred of the papacy. The holy foundress, young and afflicted, gained access to the venerable Pontiff, Saint Pius IX the Great, himself in anguish for the sorrows of Holy Church. With the consolation she received from the Holy Father, the saint continued serenely to fulfill her mission. Her name, Mary of the Cross, indicates not only the heroic labours of the foundress, but also the suffering of her last years of sickness. Years of Calvary had bequeathed her a deep peace. Her confidence and patience, her love for her daughters and the souls she taught, were rewarded by God even during her lifetime, allowing her to see her congregation flourishing throughout the world. Saint Mary of the Cross died on the 8th August, 1909.

338. Saint Maria Antonia of the Glorious Saint Joseph, foundress. Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, of noble descent from the first Spanish conquerors, was born in 1730 in Silipica (Santiago del Estero, Argentina). Her childhood was passed in the country, and her youth in Santiago, where the Jesuits were working. The Jesuits admitted into their service women called “beatas," who under private vows helped the priest, taught catechism, and cared for the poor and sick. At 15, Maria Antonia consecrated herself to God, dedicating herself to the Ignatian spirituality and pious works, passing through the narrow streets, visiting the huts of the poor who in turn called her familiarly “la beata Antonia," - "blessed Antonia". As a special favour for his Order, Saint Ignatius had asked God for the persecution of the Society of Jesus, and his sons, after two centuries of heroic apostolate in America, knew how to resign themselves to expulsion, decreed in 1767 by King Charles III of Spain. At this fatal blow, missions were left abandoned, and souls unprotected. Seeing the people fall into the apathy of their sins, and feeling the anguish of desolation, Maria Antonia asked herself how it might be possible to save the Jesuit Apostolate and restore society. Thus, amidst the ruins of the Society of Jesus, there rose up this great woman who, with staff topped by a cross, began to traverse the rural parishes, enter the miserable farms, and invite the poor, fathers, mothers, slaves, freemen, mulatos, mestizos, negroes, all, saying: “There's going to be Exercises in the city. You can come, all of you. You will sleep there and eat, and you will hear the things of God". In the immense jungle of a thousand dangers, across the vast plain, Mother Maria marked her path with the blood of her bare feet, always traveling, because all needed to be called. Despite the prevailing anti-Jesuit climate, Saint Maria Antonia, with 20 others, initiated turns of the Spiritual Exercises. She founded houses for this purpose in the cities, and in 10 years, the number rose to 60,000. Slowly worldly society found its cure in penance, washing its stains in the blessed fount of Ignatian spirituality. The city of Buenos Aires was transformed, from the Viceroy down to the most humble. All the people called upon the "Madre Buena" (good Mother). Aged and exhausted by labours and penance, she could not rest so long as she was able to seek out poor sinners, even in prisons and in the very quarters of vice. Saint Maria Antonia del Senor San Jose, foundress of the Houses of the Spiritual Exercises, and promotress of the Mission of Saint Ignatius, died in Buenos Aires, 7th March, 1799.

339. Saint Arnaldus Janssen, founder. Born on the 5th November, 1837, the ninth child of a deeply Christian family of Goch (Germany), he was not yet 24 when he celebrated his first Mass in Munster in the presence of his family, all deeply moved. He was soon appointed professor in the national college of Bocholt, and was given the care of souls in the parish. Father Arnaldus spent 10 years in pastoral work, and in his vacations he spread the “Apostolate of Prayer". Zeal for the salvation of souls was devouring the heart of the young apostle, and to excite the enthusiasm of Catholics, he began an intense apostolate in favour of the missions throughout the world, publishing "The Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart". Finally, on the 8th December, 1875, he founded in Steyl, a town in Holland, a missionary house which soon became the "Society of the Divine Word". The institute could not be founded in Germany at that time because of the persecution under the Chancellor Bismarck. All the members of the new institute promised to work for the conversion of pagans in foreign lands. Many times over, the saintly founder had the immense satisfaction of imposing the missionary cross personally on his intrepid missionary sons, newly ordained. The congregation spread wonderfully, even during the life of the founder. This did not suffice, - he desired also that young women religious work for the conversion of the pagans, founding the institute, "Missionary Servants of the Holy Ghost", and these promptly spread throughout the 5 continents. Still not content with these two foundations, he added a third of enclosure and adoration, the "Missionary Servants of the Holy Ghost of Perpetual Adoration". Such was the gigantic work accomplished in 33 Years of intense labours from 1875 to 1909, the year of death of this great lover of the missions. Beatified in 1975 by Saint Paul VI, martyr.

340. Saint Maria Benita Arias, foundress. Born in 1822, near Fort la Carlota (Cordoba, Argentina), she was descended from the founders of Buenos Aires and Cordoba. The child was confided to a married couple of freed slaves, Manuel Mona, a mulatto, and Florencia Videla, an Indian, both of whom dearly loved their adopted child, and educated her with the deepest piety,- while Benita, throughout her life, retained the deepest love for her foster parents. On the occasion of a mission given by the Franciscan fathers, Benita felt her religious vocation, and at 18 entered the House of Spiritual Exercises in Buenos Aires. She kept her Franciscan cord, and always wore it, and was buried in her Franciscan habit. For 30 years as ‘beata’ of the House of Spiritual Exercises, she fulfilled her duties admirably and acquired rich experience, human as well as spiritual. But in her heart she felt the lack of the three vows of religion,- those three nails which keep one united to the cross, and she also felt the desire to be consecrated to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. After seeking permissions for 10 years, she decided to go to Rome. Meanwhile the civil wars and tyranny at home were destroying Christian culture and had awakened in Maria Benita an immense compassion for the young, who were growing up unprepared for life. The saint was resolved to meet this situation. She arrived at the feet of Saint Plus IX the Great in 1870, during months of great affliction for the Pope, who was about to suffer imprisonment and the confiscation of his territories. The Holy Father was gentle and serene towards the unknown American, and counseled her to prepare a rule for approbation. Maria Benita went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land where she wrote her rule and presented it in 1871 to the Sacred Congregation. Returning home she was permitted to begin her work, and in complete poverty, with several companions, she began to teach poor children and to admit orphans to be cared for in certain old houses. Soon she could adore the Blessed Sacrament in her own house. On the 21st November 1876, on the occasion of her vows, so long desired, was founded the Institute of the "Servants of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament". For 20 years as Mother General, she faced every kind of difficulty, consolidating her great work, which embraced both the contemplative life and the active apostolate. A biographer says of her: "She was outstanding for her iron will, and never yielded to pressure". Saint Maria Benita prayed much, and was very devout towards the Blessed Virgin. Her life was penitential and poor, and she always wore the Franciscan habit under the black tunic. She died on the 25^th September, 1894, and her remains await the resurrection in the Church of Jesus Made Sacrament in Buenos Aires.

341. Saint Franco Lippi. Born in Grotti, near Sienna (Italy) in 1211, he passed a turbulent and disorderly youth. Lazy, he squandered his inheritance on gambling, and his time drinking. To avoid imprisonment for a murder, Franco Lippi became a mercenary soldier and was able to devote himself to his vices. Time passed, and his excesses destroyed his health, bringing him more than once to death's door. At 50, he lost his sight, and this finally brought a change of heart. He made a general confession and undertook a long and painful pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. There he recovered his sight, and since the conversion had been sincere, Franco made another pilgrimage on foot from Compostela to Rome. One day, while praying in a Carmelite church, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and ordered him to do public penance for all the scandals he had caused in Sienna. The holy penitent began to appear in rags in the streets, administering the discipline to himself. He sought admission to the Carmelites, but since his evil reputation had not altogether vanished, he was told to return in 5 years. Saint Franco persisted and was finally admitted as a lay-brother. God granted the fervent penitent 10 years in Carmel. Not only the religious, but all the people admired his life of penance, and were edified by his austerity. He died on the 11^th December, 1291, and all the people acknowledged him to be a saint of great austerity. His cult was confirmed in 1670.

342. Saint Thomas Walden. His family name was Netter, though he became known by the name Walden, in which town he was born in 1375. Entering the Order of Carmel, he studied at Oxford, and obtained a doctorate in theology. He became well known, and in 1409 was sent to the Council of Pisa, whose object was to put an end to the disastrous Western Schism, though without success. Returning to England, he combated energetically the heresies of Wycliff and of the Lollards, in preaching and in writing. By 40, he was provincial in England, and confessor to King Henry V. He took part in the Council of Florence, 1414-7, which re-established the unity of the Church, and condemned the heresies of John Huss. He was sent from there as papal ambassador, also ambassador of the emperor, on a mission to Poland, taking the opportunity to found there various houses of the Order. In 1422, he accompanied King Henry V to France, and the English king died in his arms in Valenciennes. On all his missions, whether religious or political, he lived as a man of God. He was kindly and affectionate, but he fought with great energy against the errors of his time. His numerous writings in defence of the Faith earned him the titles conferred by Pope Martin V of “Doctor most excellent,” and “Doctor authentic.” He died in Rouen (France), the 2^nd November, 1430. The miracles at his tomb confirmed his sanctity, and though his cult had not officially been confirmed, he has always been venerated as a 'blessed' in his Order.

343. Saint Baptista de Mantua. Born in Mantua (Italy), he was called the "Spaniard" because his father belonged to a Spanish family. As a child, he was proficient in his studies, and as a youth was well grounded in philosophy and rhetoric. There were some irregularities in his youth which caused pain to his family but, finally, Bautista responded to his religious vocation and entered a Carmelite house in Ferrara. From the start he sought the way of perfection, and at the same time devoted himself to letters and sacred science with such success that his verses place him among the most sublime humanists of his time. God had given him the gift of counsel, and 6 times he was re-elected vicar general the reform. Princes and popes sought his counsel, while the poor and homeless loved him as a father. Outside the monastery, he would never break the rules and, in spite of bad health, continued the customary mortifications. Although humble in his estimation of himself, he was elected superior and lost no time in extending the veneration of the Blessed Virgin. In his incredibly vast production of Latin poems, he glorified the marvels of Loreto and sang the Feasts of the Church. He wished above all to show that good literature is not necessarily pagan. In Mantua was unveiled a bust of the saint that rivaled that of Virgil. The saint declared: "The Roman curia is infested with corruption and spreads poison throughout the world". “Saint Peter, help us," declared the saint, "because Christendom is not far from ruin". He supported a painful infirmity with exemplary patience and died in peace, in the spring of 1517. He was beatified by Saint Leo XIII the Great in 1885. His feast is 20th March.

344. Saint Maria de los Angeles de Turin. Born in the XVIIth century in Turin, Mariana was the 9th of 11 children of the pious Giovanni Donato Fontanella, Earl of Santena, and of the no less pious mother Maria Tana. At 6 years, following the example of Saint Teresa of Avila, she planned with her little brother to abandon the paternal home so as to live in the 'desert'. The project collapsed when they overslept on the day of departure. Two years later, recovering from a grave illness, Mariana had her first vision and felt called to a life of penance. Contemplating the Passion, she was profoundly moved by the blow Our Lord received from the servant of Annas. One evening, kneeling at benediction, a man close by turned and gave her a similar blow. In 1676 she entered the Carmel of Saint Christina. At first she experienced repugnance for convent life, but she persevered and was professed with the name Maria of the Angels. God visited her with spiritual trials and permitted temptations and diabolical attacks. Later, she entered a period of peace and reached the heights of contemplation, all the while practising great penances. At 33, she became superior and founded another house, but when she made to go there, the people of Turin prevented her, not wishing to lose the counsel and prayers, of the superior of Saint Christina. The nuns wished to re-elect for the fifth time their mother superior, already seriously ill. She appealed to the provincial and to her confessor, but both refused to intervene. Then the holy Mother begged God, if it should be His will, to call her to Himself. The nuns wished the superiors to order her, under obedience, to recover her health, but this was also refused, and the holy Mother remarked: "I have insisted so much before the Heart of Jesus that finally He has heard me. Now is not the moment to change.” Blessing her daughters, she died on the 16th December, 1717. Beatified in 1865 by Saint Pius IX the Great.

345. Saint Anne of Jesus. Born in Medina del Campo (Spain), where Saint Teresa made her second foundation, at birth Ana de Lobera was a deaf mute. Her father died when she was two. At 7, she was miraculously cured, and her first words were the Hail Mary; but soon her mother too died, whereupon the child turned to the Blessed Virgin, asking Her to be her Mother. She began an extraordinary life of prayer and penance, of charity towards the poor and sick, receiving mystical graces and suffering persecution from the devil. Having made a vow of virginity, she was obliged heroically to resist constant proposals of marriage, until finally, in 1570, she received a letter from Saint Teresa of Avila, bidding her make haste and come without delay. Ana de Lobera, recovering slowly from a grave sickness, rose from her sick bed, and on the 26^th July, Feast of St. Anne, entered the Convent of Saint Joseph in Avila. She became the great co-adjutor of Saint Teresa, propagator of the reform in foreign lands. The holy foundress recognized such exceptional qualities and virtues in her daughter that she destined her to bear the reform, even the whole edifice, and both set out on the work of foundations. Saint Teresa at her death appeared in glory to Saint Anne of Jesus, who was gravely ill, and cured her. It was the night of the 4th October, 1582, the last day before the new Gregorian Calendar came into force, according to which the following day was the 15th October. Saint Anne continued to receive visits from Saint Teresa, especially on her great feast of the 15th October. In spite of great and prolonged difficulties, but with the support of Saint Clement VIII, Saint Anne of Jesus was able to satisfy the demands of important persons in France and establish there the Reform of the Discalced Carmelites. With complete fidelity to the spirit and constitutions of the Holy Reformer, she laboured heroically, founding houses in France, Flanders, and as far as Krakow (Poland). A French priest declared that no one had done more to destroy the power of Satan in France than Mother Anne of Jesus. Full of every virtue, after years of grievous infirmities, the Saint died in Brussels on the 4th March, 1621,

346. Saint Ana of Saint Bartholomew. In the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila, there are several allusions to a young lay-sister, Ana of Saint Bartholomew, whom she describes as "a very good servant of God.” She was born 1^st October, 1550, in a country family of Almendral, near Avila, and was a shepherdess until she was 20, when she entered the convent of Saint Joseph in Avila. Saint Teresa so esteemed her, that she took her wherever she went during the last years of her life, declaring that there was no better companion. At various times the Holy Reformer urged the young sister to take the black veil of the choir nuns, but the humble and timid lay-sister did not wish this. Years later, as superior in France, she complained at the foot of the crucifix that she was neither worthy nor competent to govern, that She was only a handful of straw. And the Lord replied: "With straw I kindle my bonfires." The holy lay-sister has left us a description of the last moments of Saint Teresa. She writes thus: "Mother was very fond of cleanliness and order. The day she died, she could not speak. I changed her sheets and pillowcases, her wimple and cuffs. Mother examined herself and seemed very pleased. Then she sought me with her eyes, gave me a smile, and showed her gratitude by signs.” It was in the arms of Saint Ana of Saint Bartholomew that Saint Teresa of Jesus died. When the great coadjutor of Saint Teresa, Saint Anne of Jesus, left in 1604 for Paris, the holy lay-sister was in the group. In Paris, while the ladies of the court were welcoming the nuns, the timid lay-sister escaped to the kitchen. But Saint Anne of Jesus took her from the kitchens and subsequently admitted her to profession. Saint Ana of Saint Bartholomew became mother superior and foundress of convents, including the celebrated Carmel of Tours. In 1612, she was sent to found the convent of Antwerp (Flanders). On two occasions when the city was under siege, the prayers of Saint Ana through the night brought safety. By acclamation she was declared defendress and protectress of Antwerp. Her death on the 7th June, 1626, was an occasion of great mourning. More than 20,000 filed past her remains during three days, and the city continued to venerate her memory with yearly processions. Saint Ant of Saint Bartholomew was beatified by Saint Benedict XV in 1917.

347. Saint Mary of the Incarnation. This holy 'woman, Barbe Avrillot de Acarie, known in her time as Madame Acarie or “la belle Acarie", played a fundamental role in the spiritual life of France during the golden age. She was a daughter of Nicholas Avrillot, a high government functionary. She was an unusually pious child and prepared for her first communion with severe mortifications. In spite of her desire to be a religious, her parents arranged for her to marry Pierre Acarie, a young aristocratic lawyer. Pierre was pious and charitable, but his temperament caused his spouse to suffer. Still it was a happy marriage, the saint an excellent spouse and mother of 6 children, to whom she gave a profound spiritual formation. Her three daughters later entered Carmel, one son became a priest, while the other two lived very Christian lives in the world. The family suffered severe economic trials, when Mr. Acarie contracted large debts to help the Catholic league. King Henry IV banished him from Paris, and his creditors seized his goods; sometimes Madame Acarie had no food to give her children. She was no coward and defended the case of her spouse before the court, and Pierre Acarie was declared innocent of all the charges brought against him. Pierre returned to his home. The charity of Mme. Acarie became known, and many confided to her their gifts for the poor. Her good heart was for all: she fed the hungry, helped the fallen, assisted the dying, instructed heretics, and above all favoured religious Orders, - especially that of Carmel. Saint Teresa appeared to her twice, encouraging her to introduce the Order into France. In a short while, 5 convents were founded. Mme. Acarie was not only the soul of the movement, but as well a kind of married mistress of novices. Her principal counselors were Saint Francis de Sales and Blessed Pierre de Berulle. Her home was a centre for the foremost spiritual personages of the time. After the death of her spouse in 1613, she entered the Carmel at Amiens as a lay-sister, with the name Mary of the Incarnation. Her superior was her own elder daughter, and the saint was the first to promise obedience to her. She joyfully fulfilled the most humble offices, although suffering much in her legs. Later she was moved to Pontoise. She led a profound mystical life, and was favoured with the revelation of great spiritual truths. In the spring of 1618, she suffered an attack of apoplexy and on Easter Sunday surrendered her soul to God during the reception of extreme unction. Barbe de Acarie was already a saint in her marriage, years before taking the veil. Beatified in 1791.

348. Saint Alfonso de Orozco. Born in Oropesa hear Avila (Spain), in 1500, at the age of 6 he felt called to be a priest. During his studies at the university of Salamanca, he heard the sermons of Saint Thomas de Villanueva and was drawn towards the life of religion. At 21, he entered the hermits of Saint Augustine and for 30 years devoted himself to teaching, preaching, and the direction of souls. He was prior of several Augustinian houses and was also appointed preacher to the court at Valladolid, where it then resided. There in Valladolid, as later in Madrid, he exercised a beneficent influence on the nobility. There was no ecclesiastic in the Spain of the XVIth Century who with greater enthusiasm maintained devotion and spirit of penance among the nobility. In contrast with the splendor of royal functions, Saint Alfonso lived in great austerity in his convent cell. Previously, when prior of the house in Seville, he had received a vision of the Blessed Virgin, who recommended that he take up his pen for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. His numerous works place him among the best mystics of his century. He labored for 30 more years among the nobility and the servants of the court, dying at 91 years of age. He was beatified in 1881.

349. Saint Veronica de Binasco. She lived in a village near Milan (Italy). Her family was very poor, and she was not able to go to school and learn to read. Very pious, obedient, and humble, she sought to be alone during the work of harvesting, and her companions wondered why. But Veronica hid what passed between herself and God, and they never came to know the reason for her tears. In order to become a nun, she tried learning to read during the night. Discouraged by her small progress, the Mother of God told her that only three lessons were necessary: to put her heart entirely in God, not to be impatient with the faults of others, and each day to meditate on the Passion of Christ. After three years’ preparation, Veronica took the habit in the austere Augustinian convent of Saint Martha of Milan. Her life was an incarnation of the holy rule, whose most minute details she fulfilled. For three years she suffered acutely from rheumatism without seeking any dispensations. God favored the saint with many visions and consolations, and her prayers converted many sinners. Saint Veronica died in 1497 at the hour she had predicted, at 42 years. Pope Leo X in 1517 permitted her to be honoured in her convent is though she had been beatified. Her feast is celebrated on the 11^th January.

350. Saint Odon de Novara. In the XIIth century, Pope Gregory IX ordered investigations to be made on the life of Odon, a Carthusian monk of the previous century, with a view to his canonization. Master Ricardo, Bishop of Trivento, affirmed that he had known the blessed Odon, and that he was god-fearing, modest and chaste, devoted to vigils and prayers throughout the day, that he wore a coarse tunic, lived in a narrow cell, which he left only to go to church, and that he always promptly obeyed the bell. Despite his years, he engaged in manual labour in his cell to avoid idleness. Odon had been prior of the Charterhouse at Ceyrac (Slovenia), but there the Bishop persecuted him and he was obliged to leave. Many other witnesses spoke of the edifying life of the holy Carthusian, of his austerities, charity and humility. All who went to him felt new zeal for the service of God. During his last moments, he lay on the floor of his cell, wearing a penitential shirt, and saying in his agony: “Wait a moment, Lord, wait a moment. I'm going with you." When they asked with whom he was speaking, he replied: “With my King, whom I see, and in whose presence I am.” The holy Carthusian rose somewhat, as though someone were taking him by the hand, and with hands extended, he went to the Lord. It was the 14th January, 1200, when Saint Odon was about 100 years old. He had worked many miracles, but always feared lest the people should attribute supernatural powers to him. He was beatified in 1859 by Saint Pius IX the Great.

351. Saint Agnellus of Pisa. He was received into the Franciscan Order by Saint Francis in Pisa. In Paris he became Guardian of that convent, and in 1224 Saint Francis chose him to found the English province, although at the time he was only a deacon. Of the 8 friars forming the group, 3 were English, and only one was a priest. Faithful to the precepts of the holy Founder, they carried no money. They stayed at the house for poor priests in Canterbury. It was the winter of 1224, and the friars suffered greatly from the climate. Their daily fare was bread and a little beverage. However nothing could affect their spirit of pious simplicity, and with their enthusiasm, they won many friends. The archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton, called them the Order of the Apostles, and when some were later ordained acolyte, they were bid to come forward with the words: "Come forward, brothers of the Order of the Apostles". Saint Agnellus took charge of the London community, which flourished in an extraordinary way. He established a school of instruction which attracted many young men, and these in turn raised Oxford to a level hardly inferior to the University of Paris. Saint Agnellus possessed great renown for his sanctity; he loved poverty, and during Mass would shed many tears, as also during Divine Office. Returning from a pain-filled mission in Italy, he became grievously ill, and for three days repeated the words: "Come, sweet Jesus.” He died at about 41, in 1236. Beatified in 1892.

252. Saint Giovanni de Parma. Born in Parma in 1209, at 25 he entered the Franciscans, and after ordination was sent out to preach. His eloquence moved multitudes, and in 1247 he became superior general. Strong and able to resist fatigue, he was the first superior general to visit the whole Order, and always on foot. Such was his humility that, on arriving at a priory, he would go first to the kitchen to help the brothers. He began the visitation in England. In France he received the king Saint Luis IX on the eve of the latter's departure for the crusade, in pilgrim dress and with staff in hand, asking for the blessing of the holy Franciscan. He went as papal legate to the emperor of the East. He was sent to Paris to still the storm that raged against the mendicant Orders, and his humble and persuasive words brought the response: “Blessed art thou, and blessed thy words.” The saint dedicated himself to the restoration of the observance of the Rule, but his determined efforts met with bitter opposition, and he became convinced that he was incapable of realizing the reform. He resigned his office in 1252, and when asked to name a successor, he chose Saint Bonaventure. Saint Giovanni retired to the hermitage of Greccio, where Saint Francis had prepared his work. There he remained for 30 years, and at 80 went to reason again with the Greeks, who had relapsed into schism. Coming to Camerino he said: “Here is the place of my rest," and there he died, 19^th March, 1289.

253. Saint Delphine de Glandenes. Daughter of the lord of Puy-Michel (Provence, France), she was born in 1285. As a child, she was promised in marriage to another child, Eleazar de Sobran, who would one day be raised to the glory of the altars. Left an orphan, Delphine was brought up by an aunt, abbess of a convent. When the children were 16, the marriage took place, and the world could observe the life of devotion and charity of that virtuous couple. Saint Eleazar united piety with the virtues proper to his state, and Delphine did likewise, rendering her spouse perfect obedience. There was never discord or disaffection between the saintly spouses; Saint Delphine practiced her devotions without neglecting any of her duties. About 1317, Saint Eleazar went to Naples, taking his spouse, who was to be one of the ladies-in-waiting to Queen Sancha. Several years later, the King of Naples sent Eleazar on a mission to Paris which, having completed, he fell ill. Receiving viaticum, full of joy, he said: "My hopes are fulfilled; in this way I have hoped to die". Years before, Saint Eleazar became godfather to a nephew, Guillaume de Grimoard, a sickly child who, thanks to the prayers of his saintly godfather, recovered his health. Fifty-three years later, this child became the energetic Pope Saint Urban V who, in 1369, canonised Saint Eleazar. Delphine survived her spouse 37 years. After the death of King Roberto, Sancha entered the Poor Clares, while Delphine continued to be her guide in the spiritual life. At the death of the queen, Delphine returned to her native Provence, where she distributed her goods and lived in retirement, patiently supporting the painful illness of her last years, dying in 1360. Saint Eleazar and Saint Delphine were Franciscan tertiaries and have been specially venerated by the Franciscans.

354. Saint Odorico de Pordenone. His family name was Matussi, and he came from Friuli. About 1300, at the age of 15, he entered the Franciscans, distinguishing himself for his fervour, love of poverty and penance. Feeling called to solitude, he received permission to live as a hermit. After a year of close union with God, he felt called to return to the active life in Udine. His preaching was immensely effective, and multitudes came to hear him. About 1317, he felt called to extend the kingdom of God in foreign lands. He visited successively houses in Constantinople and Armenia. He journeyed to India, and at Salsete collected the remains of Saint Thomas of Tolentino and of 3 other Franciscan martyrs, and continued towards the East. He went to Malabar and Ceylon, visiting the sanctuary of Saint Thomas the Apostle at Mailpur. Then he set out for Java, Sumatra and China. After countless adventures and hardships, he reached the imperial city of Peking, where he met the great Franciscan missionary Giovanni de Montecorvino, now full of years. There he remained for three years, returning to Italy by way of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. His companion was an Irish Franciscan, brother James. Possibly no other missionary has traveled over as many territories as Friar Odorico, and it would be hard to find a life so full of adventure in secular literature. The accounts of these journeys were dictated later on by the saint. Odorico does not speak of the fruits of his preaching; nevertheless, from other sources it is known that he converted and baptized at least 2,000 pagans. On his return to Europe he sought missionaries for the Far East; but in Pisa, Saint Francis appeared to him, telling him to return to Udine and explained that he himself would see to those remote missions. On his deathbed, the worn-out missionary said that God had given him to understand that his sins were pardoned. He died on the 14th January, 1331. Many miracles were wrought at his tomb. His cult was approved in 1775.

355. Saint Simon de Lipnicza. Born in Lipnicza near Krakow (Poland), he studied there at the university, where in 1453 Saint John Capistran preached a mission. Simon was drawn by the fervour of the holy preacher and sought admission in the Franciscan Order, being received by Saint John. After his ordination, he won many conversions through his preaching and prayers. He visited the Holy Land, hoping for the palm of martyrdom. However, God was not calling him to that glory, and Saint Simon again took up his apostolate at home with new zeal. Saint Simon was one of the illustrious Franciscan preachers of the XV century. Like Saint Bernardino of Sienna, he promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. For his virtues he was named successively master of novices, guardian and provincial. During a plague which devastated Krakow, Saint Simon, full of love for God and the sick, assisted day and night, until he died of the same disease, victim of love, 18^th July, 1482. Miracles multiplied at his tomb, and he was beatified in 1685.

356. Saint Ladislaus of Gielniow. One of the principal patrons of Poland, Russian Galicia and Lithuania, he was born in Poland in 1440. After studying at the University of Warsaw, he entered the Franciscan priory there, founded by Saint John Capistran. He was several times provincial and revised the constitutions. At the request of Duke Alexander, Ladislaus sent a group of friars to evangelize Lithuania, instructing them that example of sanctity should precede the work of evangelization. The missionaries converted thousands of pagans and reconciled many schismatics. Saint Ladislaus was himself an ardent missionary. As guardian in Warsaw, the fame of his preaching spread far and wide. He preached in all parts of Poland, in Latin and in Polish, and he composed hymns to be sung during evening devotions. In 1498, Poland was menaced by the Tartars and the Turks, who together formed an army of some 70,000. Saint Ladislaus ordered the people to pray and to put all their trust in God, as He alone could save the nation. The invaders were camped between two rivers, the Pruth and the Dniester. Unexpectedly both rivers overflowed, flooding the whole region, accompanied by intense cold and a furious tempest. Many thousands of men and horses perished, and the few survivors were quickly dealt with. The people attributed the victory to the prayers of Saint Ladislaus. On Good Friday, 1505, he was rapt in ecstasy, raised into the air with arms extended in the form of a cross. After his descent, very gradual, to the ground, he was so weak that he was taken to the infirmary, where he died after a month. Beatified in 1586.

357. Saint Hippolyto Galantini. Saint Hippolyto attained sanctity amidst secular preoccupations. Son of a worthy Florentine silk weaver, he acquired the craft of his father. He was but 12 when he attracted the attention of the Bishop, who permitted him to help his priest in teaching the children. He would gladly have entered religion, but his health was too poor. In his father's house, he followed a rule similar to that of a monastery. He acquired dominion over himself by fasts, penance and vigils, which more than compensated his lack of formal education with spiritual discernment. Without resources or erudition, Saint Hippolyto founded a secular institute to teach religion and Christian duties to unschooled children, as well as adults. About 1602, he composed a rule, and his example inspired others throughout Italy to help the work, the Institute of Christian Doctrine, as the congregation is called. He suffered a painful infirmity, receiving the comfort of heavenly visions. He died in 1619, kissing the crucifix, at the age of 55. A tertiary of Saint Francis, he was beatified in 1824 by Saint Leo XII. His feast is on the 20th of March.

353. Saint Bernardo of Corleone. Born Filippo Latini, he had been a shoemaker in Corleone, near Palermo. He was also a soldier, and amongst the best swordsmen in Sicily. In one of his numerous encounters with the police, he wounded one of them, taking refuge in a church. He had a devout nature and took the occasion to reflect over the state of his soul. In 1631, at 27, he became a Capuchin lay-brother with the name of Bernardo. From that moment he displayed the same enthusiasm for the life of penance as before for the life of an adventurer. He performed great fasts, severe disciplines, and vigils, and the devil subjected him to fearful persecution. He received many mystical graces, and one of the gifts that made him very popular was the power to cure animals, because, as he said, they had no doctors or medicines, and cannot explain their sufferings. He died in Palermo on the 12^th January, 1667, and was beatified by Saint Clement XIII.

359. Saint Bernardo de Offida. Born of humble family in Appignano de las Marcas (Italy) in 1604, he was first a shepherd, and then, feeling the call to religion, entered the Capuchins as a lay-brother. After profession, he was sent to various houses of the order, and was known for his fervour. When accused of excessive liberality in giving alms, he was remanded in chapter,- which pleased the humble brother. At 60, he was named questor, that is to say, the one charged with begging from door to door. While he would be occupied with this mission, the people would flock to him seeking counsel and consolation. The saint had a special gift for reconciling enemies and setting families at peace. He was so highly esteemed, that they would even ask for miracles. One day, a woman came with a sick child, who expired in the arms of Brother Bernardo. The distraught mother took hold of his habit, and would not release him until he should have restored the child to life. Saint Bernardo took the child to the church, to the altar of Saint Felix of Cantalice, who in the previous century had also been shepherd, capuchin lay-brother, and almoner. He placed the little body on the altar and exclaimed: "Good Saint Felix, you must get me out of this trouble". He knelt to pray, and the child was restored to life and perfect health. Saint Bernardo de Offida died at 90, on the 22^nd August, 1694. In his last years he had served as porter of the monastery. Pope Saint Pius VI beatified this saint in 1795.

360. Saint Crispin de Viterbo. In Rome there has been great devotion to this saint, whose body rests in one of the side altars in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. He learned from his mother that filial love towards the Virgin which characterized his life. He was baptized Pietro, received an elementary education in a Jesuit school, then entering the workshop of an uncle shoemaker. At 20, he entered the Capuchins at Viterbo under the name Crispin, patron of shoemakers. Brother Crispin was very small and slight, but quite capable of performing all his duties. He called himself a donkey, and wished to be considered a beast of burden. He was gardener and cook in various houses, and infirmarian during an epidemic, working several miraculous cures. At Orvieto he was questor, and when moved away, the houses closed their doors to his successor, so that he had to be recalled. The holy lay-brother passed his last years in Rome, where are recalled his prophecies, multiplication of bread, and wise sayings. Saint Crispin of Viterbo died at 82, 19^th May, 1750. Beatified in 1806 by Saint Pius VII.

361. Saint Felix of Nicosia. Son of a poor cobbler, he was born in Nicosia (Sicily), and was baptized Giacomo. His parents were very devout, and the child had a horror of sin from his infancy. When 7, he started work in the shoemaker’s workshop, where he suffered acutely on account of the bad language of workers and clients. Often he would put cotton in his ears to avoid hearing it. One of the workers accidentally cut the upper part of a shoe, and uttered a terrible oath. The little apprentice sitting beside him seemed struck as though by a blow. He stood up, took the shoe, passed his finger moistened with saliva over the cut, and restored it to the worker intact, without the least mark to show. When Giacomo was 20, his father died and, without losing time, he sought admission with the Capuchins, but was refused. Without giving up, he devoted himself to work, prayer and mortification, and kept applying for admission. After 7 years, he was admitted to the Capuchin house at Mistreta with the name Felix. He returned to the priory at Nicosia to help the brother questor on his rounds. Heaven bestowed great gifts on him. He cured the sick in body and in soul, converted many sinners and criminals in prison. When an epidemic devastated the town of Cerami, the local superiors of the Order requested the services of the holy lay-brother. Unafraid, the holy old man attended the sick, and when 5h343 was a cure, he would say: “So be it, for love of God.” His whole life was love and obedience, and he never did anything without permission. When at death’s door, he asked permission of Father Guardian to die. It was the 31^st May, 1787, and the saint was 78. Beatified in 1888 by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

362. Saint Paula Gambara-Costa. Born near Brescia (Italy) in 1473, she showed extraordinary piety from childhood. At 12, she was given in marriage to a young noble, and the marriage feast was celebrated with all the pomp that corresponded to the high rank of both families. The holy spouse drew up a plan of life and submitted it to her spiritual director, the famous Saint Angel de Chivasso. She was to rise at dawn to pray and recite the Rosary and then to attend two Masses at the Franciscan church. Besides the details of prayer and penance must be noted the following promise: “I will always obey my spouse. I will not observe his defects and will do all I can that others may not observe them.” Before long, there arose serious difficulties. The first thing that annoyed her spouse was her generosity towards the poor. But what was unpardonable, he brought into the house a young woman of the worst character, who took the place of Saint Paula as mistress of the house. Despite this atrocious humiliation, the saint lovingly assisted the shameless woman in her sickness, summoned a priest, and obtained the grace of her conversion. The fact that Saint Paula was accused of poisoning her rival throws a sad light on the morality of the time. Thanks to her heroic patience and charity, Saint Paula regained the affection of her spouse and his sincere conversion. Until her death, 24^th January 1515, at 42, this saint, a Franciscan tertiary, continued her extraordinary life of prayer, penance and charity for the poor. Her cult was confirmed in 1845.

363. Saint Pietro de Mogliano. Born in Mogliano (Marca de Ancona, Italy), in 1442, he studied law at Perusa. At 25, he was deeply moved by the preaching of a Dominican friar, as well as a Franciscan. He took the habit of Saint Francis and was later sent to accompany a great preacher, being himself a notable preacher and spiritual director. He discharged important offices in the Order and always showed deep understanding of men and their problems. Saint Pietro is known mostly through his relationship with the famous Saint Battista Varani, who achieved sanctity in great part through the help of our saint. Six years after the death of Saint Pietro, Saint Battista Varani relates in a letter to the Duchess of Urbino the events of his last days. On the Feast of the Visitation, he had a presentiment of his death, and a few days later he contracted a painful illness. True to Franciscan piety, Saint Pietro supported his sufferings with such patience that the brother infirmarian said to him: “Father, you are going to die laughing.” Saint Battista continues: “You have to know, dear lady, that for three years before the death of Father Pietro, all the city and all the province called him simply ‘the holy priest.’ People loved him so, that wherever he went he was followed by a multitude. When he passed by Camerino, he stayed at our monastery. When he departed, there were so many at the door, that were it not for the kind help of some young men, he would have died by suffocation.” Saint Pietro Mogliano died in the early morning of Sunday, 25^th July, Feast of Saint James the Apostle, while pronouncing the sweet name of Jesus. His cult was confirmed in 1760.

364. Saint Bernardino of Feltre. Born in 1439 in the Venetian city of Feltre, Marino Tomitani studied at the university during the height of the Renaissance of the XVth century. At the time, great Franciscans were preaching, while pagan frivolity was corrupting the Italian clergy and the high nobility, and the poor remained at the mercy of tyrants and usurers. Influenced by the great preacher Saint Giacobbe de la Marca, he entered the friars minor of the observance, taking the name of Bernardino, in honour of the Siennese Franciscan recently canonized. At that time, there rose up men, moved by the Holy Ghost, ecclesiastics as well as laymen, who dedicated themselves to sanctification and to the poor and sick and who founded as they were called, ‘Societies of Divine Love.’ It was precisely divine love that Saint Bernardino preached for 25 years throughout the cities of Italy. The people gathered in the central squares, and the saint spoke with complete simplicity to the selfish, proud and depraved crowds, opposing their vices with divine love, austerity and humility. On two occasions, his fury in denouncing public scandal burst his veins. As at the time of Saint Bernardine of Sienna, the holy preacher at the close of his missions would set up a pyre in front of the church, and the repentant cast their scandalous and obscene objects into the flames. Besides founding many societies of divine love, he was a father to the poor, reorganizing the “Mountains of Piety,” and establishing many such houses for loaning to those in need. This brought him enemies; but later, at the Fifth Lateran Council, it was decreed that the “Mountains of Piety” were legal institutions worthy of encouragement. Saint Bernardino of Feltre was active to the end of his life and never ceased to observe all the rules of his religious Order. He died in Padua, 28^th September, 1494. His cult was approved in 1728.

365. Saint Marco of Montegallo. This great patron of those charitable banks known as ‘Mountains of Piety,’ was born in Santa Maria di Montegallo in the diocese of Ascoli (Italy). After attaining academic distinction, he married; but in a short while, both he and his spouse recognized their religious vocation, separating by mutual consent: she to be a Poor Clare, and he a Franciscan. Saint Marco was sent on the missions and for forty years was a preacher. Once in prayer he heard the words: “Brother Marco, preach love,” and thereafter, from one end of Italy to the other, from Sicily to the valley of the Po, his theme was divine love. The famous Saint Battista Varani, writing to the saint, tells him that a sermon she heard one memorable day in her childhood had been the foundation of her spiritual life. Full of compassion for those of the poor who fell into the hands of usurers, Saint Marco established houses where the needy could obtain loans with the minimum guarantee, or even none. The compassion he showed to others he denied to himself, and in all his journeys he practiced full monastic discipline. When the plague threatened the region, he prophesied that it would cease should the people repent. Multitudes confessed their sins in the Sacrament of Penance, and the scourge was halted. When he lay dying, he asked that the Passion be read. At the words of Christ: “It is accomplished,” he died, 1497, “a new star of divine love,” as he was called.

366. Saint Angelo of Chivasso. Angelo Carletti, born in the village of Chivasso, pertained to the Piedmontese nobility. He obtained a doctorate in both civil and canon law; and as senator lived an exemplary life, devoted to his civic duties, to his prayers and to the sick. When his mother died, he distributed his belongings and entered the Franciscan Observants at Genoa. After ordination, he undertook an intense campaign of evangelization of Piedmont. He loved the poor and sought them out in the cities, visited the sick, and he supported the ‘Mountains of Piety.’ All came to him for confession, poor as well as rich. When the fleet of Mohammed II seized the city of Otranto, Saint Pius II requested missionaries to counteract the invasion of Islam. The Pope had written to Mohammed: “Too many wars have been waged by you and your progenitors against the Christians. If you desire to enlarge your empire, you do not need gold nor arms. A little baptismal water would suffice, if you became a Christian and believed the Gospel. If you did this, no other prince in the world would be your equal in power.” The Pope went on to give the famous example of the Emperor Constantine and to show that the only true faith is the Faith of Christ. However, fine letters did not restrain the fulminating onslaught of the Turks, and the Franciscan Observants rose to obey the call of Saint Pius II. The Crusade set out with the holy Pope at its head, the missioner ready to face the greatest dangers. Saint Angelo of Chivasse missioned with zeal and without fear until old age, dying in 1495 at the age of 84. His cult was approved in 1753.

367. Saint Battista Varani. Camilla Varani, only daughter of the Lord of Camerino, went at the age of 8 or 10 with her family to hear the preaching of Saint Marco of Montegallo. The saint spoke of the Passion of Christ, and urged his audience to meditate every Friday on the sufferings of Our Lord and to feel compassion for them. The child vowed to shed a tear at least each Friday for love of the Saviour. Her father planned a brilliant marriage for Camilla and gave her an excellent education. As a young woman, she was still devout, but on entering social life, she gave herself up to pastimes and, except for the moments when she would meditate on the Passion, lived for 3 years in repugnance for piety and aversion towards religious. Observing the state of her soul and ashamed of the vanity of her life, she made a general confession after hearing a sermon on the fear of God and responded to her vocation. On the 14^th November 1481 she entered the Poor Clares at Urbino, with the name Battista. Immediately she received revelations of the Passion, which she wrote down under obedience. She writes: “For 2 years at Urbino, a marvelous grace of the Holy Ghost brought me to the depths of the Heart of Jesus, - an infinite ocean of bitterness, where I had drowned, were it not for the help of God.” Her father built a convent in Camerino to which the saint was sent, and thenceforth Saint Pietro of Mogliano was her spiritual director. Saint Battista received extraordinary mystical graces. She was for two months prostrate in spirit at the foot of the Cross. For 3 months, she contemplated in a vast ocean of light the love of God for His creatures. She suffered diabolical attacks and severe spiritual desolation. After the death of her director, she was moved to write her experiences in the form of letter, such as she had sent to Saint Marco of Montegallo. Her father and three brothers were assassinated by their own subjects, but the life of the saint continued until 1527, and as superior maintained her house in absolute poverty. Her mystical works are full of simplicity, common sense, and occasional good humour.

368. Saint Innocenzo Berzio. He was born in Valle de los Caminos, near Brescia (Italy), 29^th March 1844, in a deeply Christian family. His mother, an exemplary woman, was widowed and charged herself with the Christian education of her little son, teaching him the faith that she practiced. At great sacrifice, she sent him to the school of the Capuchins, where the child showed all the virtues his mother had taught him. He pursued ecclesiastical studies and was master of novices. The Bishop, Gerolamo Verzeri, admired the virtues of Innocenzo and sent him to the seminary to complete his studies. There, Innocenzo made sanctity his prime object. From childhood he had made his own the words of Saint Lawrence Justinian: “Man must humble himself before God and empty his heart of pride, if he would fill it with grace.” Ordained in 1867, he was to direct the seminary of Brescia. He discharged this office zealously, and the Bishop appointed him auxiliary to the Parish of Brescia, where he gave free rein to his charity. Thus he continued till 1874, when he entered the Capuchins, consecrating himself to the way of perfection. During the epidemic of 1889, he contracted the disease while attending the afflicted and shortly after, on the 3^rd March, he returned his soul to God in the same region where he had been born.

369. Saint Humble Soria Pons. Vicente Soria Pons was born the 9^th January 1844, in Valencia (Spain). He married the virtuous young woman Vicenta Catala Muninos. God blessed their holy marriage with 12 children, of whom only the youngest survived, who became Father Miguel Soria, great Mexican apostle. Fervent Franciscan tertiaries, the spouses shone in sanctity before all the inhabitants of Oliva and the district of Gandia, where they were regarded by all as saints. At the death of his spouse, Vicente took the Franciscan habit at the age of 46 with the name Friar Humble. In 1897 he came to Benisa (Alicante), where he stayed for the rest of his life. In the humble duties of monastic life, he was a model friar. He spent hours of the night before the Tabernacle. A great lover of Christ crucified and of the Blessed Virgin, he was very good to others, though severe towards himself with every practice of penance and mortification. In his frequent journeys on foot as almoner, he was received everywhere with great joy. He died of a painful disease, and in Benisa there is a niche with the inscription: “Here lies Friar Humble Soria, of the Order of Saint Francis, famous in virtues. He died at the age of 61, the 26^th February, 1905. R.I.P.”

370. Saint Sebastian de Aparicio. Born in Spain, as a child he tended cattle. As a youth he worked on a farm and found time to pray during the work. To escape grave temptations, he went to America, settled in Mexico where, as a farmer and owner of transports, he earned much wealth, which he used in works of charity, for feeding the poor, and for loans to the needy farmhands, without asking for guarantee. He enjoyed immense prestige amongst the Spanish and the Indians and was called on to settle disputes. Despite his wealth, he lived austerely and ate the food of the poor. In 1552, he retired from his enterprises to live near the capital. He was accustomed to give dowries to poor young women, and at the request of the parents of one of them, took her in marriage, which by mutual consent remained unconsummated. His spouse died, and he remarried under the same conditions. He was 70 when his second wife died, when he gave all his goods to the Poor Clares and entered the 3^rd Order of Saint Francis. Later he entered the Friars Minor of the Observance. He lived there for 26 years as almoner. He died adoring the Blessed Sacrament, in a transport of joy. Beatified by Saint Pius VI in 1787.

371. Saint Diana

372. Saint Cecilia

373. Saint Amata When Saint Dominic was looking for a place in Italy for his Order, he chose the region of Bologna, but he encountered the furious opposition of the family d’Andalo. Through the supplications of Diana, only daughter of the family, the d’Andalos yielded. The devout young woman had, with deep emotion, heard the saint preach, and in private, Saint Dominic received the vows of Diana, who promised her virginity to God and to enter religion as soon as possible. Diana lived at home, rising early for her prayers and penances. She wished to found a Dominican convent, but her father strictly prohibited this. Diana fled to an Augustinian convent, and her father seized her so violently that one of her ribs was fractured. The valiant young woman recovered and re-escaped from the paternal prison. Saint Jordanus of Saxony founded in Bologna a little convent for Dominican nuns, and there, in 1222, were installed Saint Diana with 4 companions. For lack of experience, they called several nuns from Rome to teach them. Two of these, Saint Cecilia and Saint Amata, remained intimately associated with Saint Diana, were buried in her tomb and the three were beatified together in 1891 by Saint Leo XIII the Great. Nothing is known of Saint Amata, but is it is known of Saint Cecilia that she was a remarkable woman of the noble Roman family of the Cesarini. She was among the first to correspond to the efforts of reform of Saint Dominic, and she persuaded her community in Rome to accept the rule of the Saint. As she was the first woman to receive the Dominican habit, she governed the little convent of Saint Agnes in Bologna. Saint Jordanus felt particular affection for the little community, and he would say that the rapid progress of the Order was due to the prayer of the nuns of Saint Agnes. Saint Diana died on the 9^th January, 1236, when she was only 36. Saint Cecilia survived her many years and was quite aged when she dictated her memories of Saint Dominic. She died in 1290.

374. Saint Benvenuta of Cividole. Since there were already 6 daughters in the Bojani family of Cividole (Friuli, Italy), the father naturally wished his 7^th child to be a son. When he learned that there was another daughter, he exclaimed with resignation: “That’s splendid, let her be welcome (benvenuta).” And so they called the child Benvenuta Bojani. Born in 1254, she began her life like a poem of praise for the Blessed Sacrament, a hymn of purity and joy. Since a child, she used to repeat frequently the first part of the Ave Maria, as was the custom at that time, and to genuflect at each invocation as she had seen the Dominicans do in church. Her parents were as devout as she was, and when she wished to consecrate her virginity to God and become a Dominican Tertiary, there was no objection. Shortly after the death of her mother, Benvenuta, still quite young, went to the church and met there a child. She asked him: “Have you a mother?” The child said yes. “I have no mother now,” said Benvenuta, “but if you have a mother, perhaps she has taught you to say the Ave Maria.” The child replied, “I know it by heart. Do you?” Benvenuta replied: “I know it too.” “Say it for me,” said the child. Benvenuta began to recite the Ave Maria in Latin. When she came to the word ‘Jesus,’ the child said to her: “I am Jesus,” and disappeared. Having a deep desire to do penance, Benvenuta took on great austerities. For 5 years she endured various infirmities, and the devil used this occasion to tempt her violently to despair. However her worst suffering was not to be able to assist at Mass and to hear the friars sing the “Salve Regina.” On the Annunciation, God restored her health and the saint fulfilled a promise to go on pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Saint Dominic. God rewarded the patience, joy and confidence with which Saint Benvenuta triumphed over the temptation of Satan, granting her many mystical graces, also on her deathbed. She died serenely, 30^th October, 1292. Her cult was approved in 1765 by Saint Clement XIII.

375. Saint Margarita of Citta-di-Castello. About 1293, some women of Citta-di-Castello (Umbria, Italy) came upon a little blind girl of 6 or 7, who had been abandoned in their parish. Moved by pity, the good women, by no means wealthy, took turns in providing a home for the poor child, who became the adopted daughter almost of the whole town. The women later acknowledged that Margarita, far from being a burden, brought blessings to her protectors. A few years later, the nuns of a local convent offered to take on the child, and Margarita was happy at the prospect of living amongst religious. But her joy was short-lived, because the community was relaxed and Margarita’s fervour was a continual reproach to the nuns, who besides had not received the alms they anticipated for harbouring the orphan. They began to ignore Margarita, to persecute and calumniate her, and the poor young woman had to return to the world. But her old friends did not abandon her, providing her with a little place of her own, where henceforth she would live. At 15, Margarita received the habit of a Dominican tertiary and consecrated herself fully to God. With God’s blessing, Margarita cured another tertiary of an ailment of the eyes. To show her gratitude towards her benefactors of Citta-di-Castello, she cared for the children while the parents worked. Her little school prospered, the children responded to her simplicity, in the little tasks to be performed, the duties towards God and neighbour to be learned and practiced. She taught them to love the Child Jesus and to sing the psalms she had learned in the convent. Thus she lived, ignored by the world, until she was 33 when, in 1320, she died surrounded by her friends, who obtained for her a sepulchre in the parish church. Her cult was confirmed in 1609.

376. Saint Michelina of Pesaro. Michelina Metelli was born in a distinguished family of Pesaro, on the eastern coast of Italy. At 12, she married a younger member of another well-known family. It was a happy but brief union and Michelina was left a widow with a little child. Little troubled, she continued her previous life, scarcely thinking of religion. Michelina was of a generous nature and opened her home to a beggar woman called Ciriaca. This woman was of unusual virtue and obtained the complete conversion of Michelina, who gave up her worldly life. When her child died, being without worldly obligations, Michelina distributed her goods among the poor, took the habit of the Franciscan tertiaries, begged alms from door to door, and lived on the scraps she received. Once she admitted to a friend who had known her in former times that she would love to eat a portion of roast pork. She accepted the invitation of the friend, and when the roast pork was brought to the table, Michelina was stricken with remorse, offered her excuses and withdrew to her miserable hut to take the discipline. At each stroke she spoke thus: “So you still want roast pork, Michelina? Will you have some more?” The old friends considered her unbalanced and had her locked up in an asylum. Her patience and humility disarmed her enemies, and they released her as harmless. Saint Michelina passed her remaining life in prayer and penance. She attended lepers and the sick with great abnegation. She died on Trinity Sunday, 1356, at 56. The people of Pesaro always kept a lamp burning before her tomb in the Franciscan church. Her cult was approved in 1737.

377. Aint Clara of Pisa. Dora (Teodora) Gambacorta was born 1362 in Pisa, where her father, Pietro Gambacorta, was head of the republic. A brother, Pietro of Pisa, who achieved the glory of the altars, was 7 years her senior. When she was 7, her parents arranged a brilliant marriage with a wealthy family. But the child, despite her few years, used to take off the engagement ring during Mass and say: “Lord, you know that the only love I want is yours.” At 12, the wedding was to take place. However, Dora had begun her life of mortification, and she joined a group of ladies who assisted the sick. The marriage was short, her spouse dying in an epidemic. When her parents wished her to remarry, she objected with all the energy of her 15 years. A letter of Saint Catherine of Sienna encouraged her resolve, whom she had met previously in Pisa. Dora cut her hair, distributed her goods and her rich wardrobe, fled from her home to the Poor Clares, who immediately gave her the habit. The following day, her brothers came to fetch her, and the frightened nuns gave her up. At home she was kept prisoner for 6 months, but nothing could weaken her determination, neither hunger nor thirst. Pietro Gambacorta finally capitulated and not only permitted Dora to enter the Convent of Santa Cruz but also promised to build a new convent. In the community, she met Saint Maria Mancini, also a widow, and the two religious, both deeply influenced by the writings of Saint Catherine of Sienna, were able to establish the primitive observance in all its fervour in the newly built convent of Pietro Gambacorta. Dora took the name Clara and was the first prioress of the convent, from which there went forth holy religious to spread the reform throughout Italy. In the convent of Saint Clara there was prayer, peace and study. The saint was distinguished for her sense of duty and spirit of pardon. She generously forgave the assassin of her father and three brothers. When later the widow and daughters of the assassin were left destitute, Saint Clara received them in the convent. She suffered greatly, but before dying, a radiant smile transformed her countenance. She was 57, and her cult was approved in 1830.

378. Saint Maria of Pisa. Caterina Mancini belonged to a very distinguished family of Pisa and at 5 had a first extraordinary mystical experience. For the sake of her family, she married at 12, and at 16 was left a widow with 2 children. She remarried also for the sake of her family, and this union lasted 8 years and was blessed with 5 children. During a mortal illness lasting a year, she cared for her spouse with great self-denial. All her children died young, and when her family wished her to marry a third time, Caterina refused and dedicated herself to pious and charitable works. She entered into correspondence with Saint Catherine of Sienna and later entered the relaxed Dominican convent of Santa Cruz with the name of Mary. She reformed the convent, but desired still greater perfection. Together with Saint Clara Gambacorta, she left to found the new convent based on the primitive observance. God blessed the foundation, which became a model of religious observance, famous throughout Italy. There Saint Maria of Pisa died, in December 1431. Cult confirmed in 1855.

379. Saint Alvaro de Cordoba. He entered the Dominican priory of Saint Paul in Cordoba (Spain) in 1368. He was a great preacher, first in Andalusia and later in Italy. He was confessor and counselor of the Queen Mother Catalina, director of the education of the youthful King Juan II, and the reformer of the court. During the political dissensions, he resumed his apostolate of preaching. It was during the Western Schism, with a succession of antipopes at Avignon, when the Dominicans also suffered a relaxation. Saint Alvaro had long wished to found a priory of the primitive observance, according to the reform of Saint Raimondo of Capua. He built the Priory of Escalaceli in the mountains of Cordoba, which soon became a centre of piety and learning. He also led a movement of opposition to the antipope of Avignon, Pedro de Luna, called Benedict XIII, and urged the people, especially the nobility, to recognize the legitimate Pope. Despite his years, the saint taught and preached by day and at night prayed in the monastery, which subsisted on alms. When he ended his sermons in the market-place, he would declare: “My brothers, the poor friars of Saint Dominic of the priory on the mountain commend themselves to your charity.” Saint Alvaro practiced severe penances. There is still to be found in Cordoba a painting of the saint on his knees, his shoulders bleeding, with a group of angels, some of whom are removing the stones from the pathway where he is taking the discipline. He died about 1470. Cult confirmed in 1741.

380. Saint Stefana Quinzani. Born in 1457 near Brescia (Italy), she became acquainted with the Dominican Order in Sancina, where she entered as a tertiary, after receiving a vision of Saint Andrew bearing his cross. She devoted herself to the poor and sick, until founding a convent in Sancina. In ecstasy she lived all of the Passion, the flagellation, the crowning with thorns and the crucifixion, during which the stigmata appeared. The saint obtained many miraculous cures, and on certain occasions multiplied food or money. She died 2^nd January, 1530, and was beatified in 1740.

381. Saint Catalina de Racconi. She was born in Racconi, a poor village of Piedmont (Italy), in 1486, of a family of farmhands, in a miserable shed, a mere cover open to the four winds, a symbol of her whole life spent fighting poverty, illness and misunderstanding, up to the end when she died, forsaken by friends, and even by a priest who might have assisted her. Yet she was favoured with mystical graces of the highest kind. At 5, she was espoused to the infant Jesus, who gave her as patroness Saint Catherine of Sienna. When she wept out of exhaustion in the misery of her home, the Child Jesus brought her consolation and contentment with her lot. On the Feast of Saint Stephen, who had ministered to the needs of Christian women, the Saint appeared to Catalina, spoke encouragingly, and promised her a special visit of the Holy Ghost. She was penetrated by three rays and heard a mysterious voice: “I have come to dwell within you.” The holy young woman took a vow of virginity, the mystical espousals were repeated, on her finger appeared the mark of a ring, and she suffered the marks of the Passion, though invisibly. Like her patron, she became a Dominican tertiary, offering herself as victim, and a painful infirmity showed that her sacrifice had been accepted. In her visions she saw the coming chastisements and the future renovation the Church: “The scourge which menaces the clerics, as it is the final one, will be more severe than the others.” On the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, in ecstasy she saw the Apostles interceding for sinners. Seven days later, while praying for all Christendom, she suddenly found herself on a boat menaced by turbulent seas, cast by contrary winds towards the reefs. At every moment the Bark of Peter seemed about to founder. Saint Peter, however, did not take his eyes from his Bark, and though many passengers disappeared in the deep, the vessel continued guided by Saint Gregory. The Saint had this vision towards the end of her life. Saint Catalina de Racconi died in 1547 at 62. Beatified by Saint Pius VII in 1808.

382. Saint Lorenzo of Ripafralla. Because of the Great Schism of the West, when there were antipopes at Avignon, Catholic institutions were severely tried, including the Dominican Order, already fallen from its primitive fervour. The reform of Saint Raimondo of Capua already begun, there entered the Order in Pisa Lorenzo of Ripafralla, a deacon. After a few years of preaching, he became a novice master in Cortona. Of great virtue and ability, Saint Lorenzo became a most emphatic defender of strict observance; however, with keen psychological insight, he awaited the most favourable moment for imposing docility on his novices. Among these were Saint Antoninus and Fra Angelico of Fiesole. Saint Lorenzo urged Fra Angelico to devote himself to painting, saying: “The most eloquent tongue at death is mute, whereas your marvelous and heavenly paintings will speak across the centuries.” And that most spiritual of painters, through the beauty of his art, achieved the heights of mystical expression. Saint Lorenzo, as Saint Anthony of Padua before him, was called the “Arc of the Testments” for his profound Biblical knowledge. He preached in all the region and governed the priories that accepted the reform. Having observed that those who remained deaf to preaching were moved to penance by the heroic example of priests who attended those stricken by pest, Saint Lorenzo left his administrative offices to minister to the afflicted in body and soul. When he died, full of years, in 1457, his former novice, now archbishop, Saint Antonino of Florence, wrote: “How many souls snatched from hell by his words and example, and then led from depravity to high perfection.” Saint Pius IX the Great confirmed the cult in 1851.

383. Saint Francisco de Posadas. Born in Cordoba in 1644, of a family of gardeners, who encouraged the lad to become a Dominican, much to his satisfaction. But his father died, his mother remarried, and the stepfather forbade losing time on studies and ordered Francisco to learn a trade. Thanks to his good character and industry, he gained the affection of his stepfather, who then helped him on with his studies. The stepfather died and Francisco took care of his mother and was even able to enter the monastery of Escalaceli. His companions did not understand him and made him a target for their jests. With characteristic patience, he persevered, was professed, and ordained priest. Thus he commenced forty years of apostolate, his appearance as a preacher being acclaimed as a new Vincent Ferrer. He journeyed on foot throughout southeast Spain. In his native city he imposed a radical reform of public and private morality. Always at the service of the poor, his humility made him avoid the highest offices of his Order as well as of various Episcopal sees. Saint Francis de Posadas wrote “The Triumph of Chastity,” biographies of Saint Dominic and other saints of the Order, and ascetical works; and after constant apostolic journeys, died at Escalaceli, 20^th September, 1713. Beatified by Saint Pius VII in 1818.

384. Saint Andrea de Borgo San Sepulcro. Andrea Dotti was born in Borgo San Sepulcro (Tuscany) about 1250. Of distinguished family, he received a splendid education, although with no mention of religion. Nevertheless, at 17, the youth, who was pious by nature, became a Servite tertiary. When the prior general Saint Philip Benizi was preaching, and Andrea was present at the ceremonies, the subject was the exhortation of Christ: “He who does not renounce all that he possesses cannot be my disciple.” The fire of the holy preacher penetrated the heart of Andrea, who went immediately to offer himself to Saint Philip as a Servite religious. After ordination, he was at one of the Servite houses governed at the time by Saint Gerardo Sostegui, one of the 7 holy Founders, and went out as a notable preacher. He accompanied Saint Philip frequently on his missions. He caused several hermits of undisciplined life to enter the Servites. Superior of various houses, he often went out to preach. He was present at Monte Senario in 1310 at the death of the aged Saint Alexis Falconeri, last of the 7 founders, humble lay-brother, who never wished to be ordained. Saint Andrea was so deeply impressed, he asked permission to retire as a hermit and prepare for death. He dedicated himself to mortification and received many mystical graces. The day of his death in 1315, his brethren found him on his knees as in ecstasy, but he was dead. Saint Pius VII confirmed the ancient cult in 1806.

385. Saint Bonaventura Buonaccorsi. When Saint Philip Benizi went to Pistoia in 1276 to preside at the general chapter of the Servites, he took the occasion of preaching in the town, torn as it was by constant civil war. Among those present was a man of 36, of the noble family of the Buonaccorsi, Bonaventura, leader of one of the factions, in matter of piety a complete loss. Yet he was profoundly moved by Saint Philip and went to him, accusing himself of being a principal cause of the prevailing misery. Deeply repentant, he sought admission in the Order of the Servites. Saint Philip wished to test him with public penance. In effect, Bonaventure was to repair all his excesses and beg pardon of all whom he had injured. He willingly submitted and performed his penance in every detail. Saint Philip brought him to the novitiate at the Mother House. The saint persevered and became the constant companion of the holy Father General. In the towns torn by political divisions, the people were deeply impressed to see the old Ghibelline in the mendicant habit, preaching fraternal charity. He preached throughout Italy, was superior of various houses, and came to his native town of Pistoia, torn by civil strife. He restored the Christian conscience, especially through erecting confraternities, spreading the Servite third order, and preaching the peace of the Gospel. He died in Orvieto, 14^th December, 1315, was buried in the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows in the Servite Church. Cult confirmed in 1882.

386. Saint Ubaldo de Florencia. Young Ubaldo Adimari, of distinguished family, was an important Ghibelline leader of Florence. Until 30, his life was turbulent and dissipated, causing much disorder in the city. However, one day in 1276, at a sermon of Saint Philip Benizi, he was moved to penance and promised never again to bear arms. Saint Philip accepted him in the Order, and Saint Ubaldo set out to dominate his proud and impetuous nature and do penance. With years, he became so gentle that in the monastery garden of Monte Senario, the birds would light on his head, shoulders and hands. Saint Philip loved his pious disciple, took him on his journeys, and made him his confessor. Most of the biographies of Saint Philip speak of Ubaldo and relate how, when Philip Benizi became ill in Todi, he foresaw supernaturally the death of his master and hurried to see him. Saint Philip asked for “his book.” They gave him the Bible, his breviary, his rosary. But Ubaldo, who knew him better, gave him the crucifix, in which the saint had learned all his wisdom. Ubaldo survived him 30 years at Monte Senario, enjoying the gift of miracles, and dying in 1315. His cult was confirmed in 1821 by Saint Pius VII.

387. Saint Gerolamo Ranuzzi. Born at the end of the XIVth century in Sant’Angelo in Vado, near Urbino (Italy), from childhood he was given to prayer and studies. There was at Urbino one of the first Servite houses, and there Gerolamo entered before he was 20. He was professed, doctored in theology, was ordained, and taught in various houses of the Order. After a few years, he withdrew to the priory in his native town, where he gained the affection of all. For his works of mercy, temporal and spiritual, for his prudence in resolving difficult problems, he began to be called “Angel of good counsel.” His fame came to the attention of the Duke of Urbino, who requested his assistance as counselor. This was an occupation the saint hardly desired but accepted under obedience. At the ducal court he completed certain business with the Holy See and aided the solution of state questions, and was finally able to return to Sant’Angelo, where he reconstructed the convent of the nuns. He died suddenly, 11^th December 1455. Such was the devotion of the people to Saint Gerolamo, that his body was placed in a niche over the altar of the Servite church at Sant’Angelo. Cult confirmed in 1775 by Saint Pius VI.

388. Saint Giovanna Soderini. Born in Florence in 1301, of the noble family of the Soderini, Giovanna was very devout from childhood. On one occasion she told her governess that she knew through revelation from heaven that shortly she was to die, and the governess, aware of the child’s spiritual life, accepted the revelation and started to prepare for death. When Giovanna’s parents arranged a favourable marriage, the holy young woman protested so energetically that she received permission to enter religion. At that time Saint Juliana Falconieri, niece of Saint Alexis, one of the 7 holy founders, was organizing the Third Order regular of the Servites, and Saint Giovanna joined the new community, where she was distinguished for austerity and prayer. She worked in the house, cared for the sick, and performed the most humble chores with joy and meekness. Saint Giovanna suffered spiritual trials with perseverance, until she acquired great graces, including the gift of prophecy. She was the personal assistant of Saint Juliana and never left her during her last illness. She survived her beloved mother superior by 20 years, as Superior General of the Servite Nuns. Died 1^st September, 1367. Saint Leo XII confirmed her cult.

389. Saint Julian Maunoir. Born in 1606 in the diocese of Rheims, he entered the Jesuits in 1625. During the spiritual exercises before ordination, he wrote after Holy Communion: “I felt an extraordinary zeal for the salvation of souls and great desire to work for them. The Lord’s voice echoed in my heart: ‘I laboured, wept, suffered and died for them.’” When his attention was directed towards Brittany, missionary region of turbulent race, negligent clergy, the saint applied himself to the language, mastering it in short time. Given the Celtic character, imaginative and poetic, the holy missionary used images in colour of the Passion, the Our Father, of the capital sins. With images, with the vivacity and humour of his commentaries, and with scenic representation during sermons, Saint Julian penetrated the mystical and religious Celtic heart. The holy Jesuit versified in Breton with deep sentiment and renewed devotion to the ancient saints of Brittany. The mission of renewal was confirmed with many miracles, transforming both the sheep and the shepherds. Saint Julian Maunoir, man of great vision, died 28^th January, 1683. Pilgrims came in multitudes to kiss the feet that had trod all of Brittany, bringing the Gospel to every corner. Beatified by Saint Pius XII in 1951.

390. Saint Adolphe Petit. Born in Ghent (Belgium) 22^nd May, 1822, at the death of his mother, he was fostered by his godparents. He loved the catechism and sacred history, and felt his vocation at his first Holy Communion. He studied at the Jesuit College, and with his goodness and simplicity won the affection of all. In 1842, he entered the Society and was ordained in 1854, the year of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. As professor, he left in his innumerable pupils a deep impression of sanctity. In 1865, he became Master of Tertiaries in the house at Tronchiennes, where he remained 50 years. Soon he became superior, and during his long apostolate exercised a stupendous influence over souls. With a word, he would restore peace to a troubled soul. A remark to the vacillating produced fruits of penance lasting till death. A look of reproach engraved itself indelibly in the memory of a sinner. In short, with sweetness and unction he ruled souls and attracted all classes, poor, rich, workers, soldiers, statesmen, clerics, aristocrats, and the frivolous youth. His spiritual exercises became a national institution, and through his vast influence over priests and men of government Saint Adolphe Petit contributed to the Catholic life of the nation. Devotion to the Sacred Heart was his inspiration, and thanks to the radiant love and spiritual joy of the holy Jesuit, the clerics, convents and laypeople of Belgium were liberated from the pestiferous stain of Jansenism. Saint Adolphe imitated the divine Master and taught the sublime truths of Christian Faith with words at once simple and captivating. For the happiness of the family he inculcated all homely virtues, and he taught the heroic virtues of the Cross that lead to eternal happiness. His many activities came to an end towards the 1^st World War. He prophesied: “Our nation will rise with honour because of her great devotion to the Sacred Heart and her immense charity in receiving the French congregations persecuted out of hatred for God.” He died 19^th May, 1914. He had said: “I owe all to Mary my Mother, and to the Society of Jesus, my Mother on earth.”

391. Saint Sebastian Valfre. Born in Verduno (Piedmont, Italy), in 1625, of a poor and numerous family. From childhood he wished to be a priest and worked to pay his studies. When he left home, all his parents could give him was a barrel of wine. He entered the Oratory of Turin on the Feast of Saint Philip Neri in 1651. He sang his first Mass in Verduno to the great consolation of his parents, and he consecrated himself wholly to his ministry. The Oratory had been in decline, but now it began to prosper. The saint took charge of the Little Oratory, a confraternity of laymen, and achieved great fruits over the years. Contrary to his choice, he was elected superior. His government was a perfect imitation of that of Saint Philip Neri, in observance of the details of the Rule, as well as for kindness towards the sick. Penitents flocked to his confessional. He refused the archbishopric of Turin, preferring the ministry, missionary journeys, preaching and works of mercy. He was tireless in visiting hospitals and prisons. He gave to beggars food for soul as well as body. He was always joyful, like the holy founder, so that he was reckoned a careless and carefree character, - a judgment not at all in agreement with his terrible spiritual desolations. He was frequently tempted to think he had lost his faith and was condemned. Nevertheless, he never ceased labouring for souls, and preaching to the first group of wayward characters he would come across, even entering the places of vice to condemn sin. The ruffians were always impressed by the venerable figure of the saint and held their tongues. Saint Sebastian Valfre died on the 30^th January, 1710. Beatified 1834.

392. Saint Antonio Grassi. Born 1592 in Fermo de las Marcas (Italy), the child used to go to the church of the Oratory in Fermo, which had been the third foundation of Saint Philip Neri, and there he entered at 17, making progress in both study and piety. He had been tormented by scruples, but achieved peace of soul on celebrating his first Mass, and from that moment serenity was his great characteristic. He had inherited from his father a great devotion towards Our Lady of Loretto. One day, already a priest, he was in the Holy House of Loretto when he was struck by lightening. When he recovered, he made annual pilgrimages to Loretto in thanksgiving. The shock left a deep impression and incidentally cured him permanently of bad digestion. He understood he belonged particularly to God. During his whole life he made the Sacrament of Penance a principal occupation. He had the gift of reading hearts, even in small details. He was a kindly superior of the Oratory of Fermo, many times re-elected. “Why do you not govern with greater austerity?” he was asked. “Because I do not know how.” He had learned of Saint Philip Neri that denying one’s own will is more efficacious than a hairshirt. He insisted that his sons observe the letter of the Rule, maintaining thus a high level of observance. The influence of Saint Antonio extended far and wide. He was consulted by Cardinals and Bishops on questions of administration and spirituality. Always preoccupied with the people, he never made visits of courtesy, but always went, day or night, to the houses of the sick and dying. He enjoyed the gift of prophecy. At 80, he was confined to bed, and the Archbishop, who had said he would not know what to do without Father Grassi, brought him daily Communion. Saint Antonio died in 1671, and was beatified in 1900.

393. Saint Jaime Balmes. Born in 1810 in Vich (Barcelona, Spain), of modest family, he achieved the heights of academic distinction solely by the merits of his personal efforts. From infancy he felt his vocation to the priesthood. He studied at the seminary of Vich, the University of Cervera, attaining degrees in theology and law. He soon found his vocation in the apostolate of the pen, founding periodicals, refuting current objections against religion, and treating social and political questions. He it is who put in place the most solid foundations of traditionalist Spanish thought, all the while in a manner both prudent and balanced. He proclaimed the indispensable religious unity of Spain, only to be effected by Catholicism, as well as political unity, only to be attained perfectly by the monarchy. The last years of his short and productive life he dedicated to the defense of the Supreme Pontiff, Saint Pius IX the Great. His book, “Pius IX,” scandalized many critics of the Pope, caused the author much bitterness, and perhaps accelerated his death. Saint Jaime Balmes died prematurely, before reaching 38. He was distinguished for genius and industry, a noble and lovable character, for his great love for the Pope, the Church and the Catholic priesthood. He never forgot his priesthood, even during the most agitated years of residence at court. He began his day with meditation and Mass. He read the Imitation with preference, as well as the works of Saint Francis de Sales, the former representing abnegation, the latter the appeal of sweetness. He would say: “How intimate the union between severity towards oneself and gentleness towards one’s neighbour.” He spoke of death frequently with his friends. Shortly before he died, he said: “Truth, virtue, conscience, God. . . all else passes.” When he suffered attacks during the day, he read the New Testament at night. When he received praise, he took a double ration of the Imitation. Of exemplary humility, he always assisted the poor who came to him. He died in 1848, a holy priest of great genius, whom Saint Pius IX called ‘ornament and light of the Spanish nation,’ ‘priest consecrated to divine glory.’ In philosophy, journalism and political science, Saint Jaime Balmes displayed prodigious activity. He began his career defending the dignity and purity of the Catholic priesthood: “Reflection on the Celibacy of the Catholic Clergy” (1839). After wards defending the clergy in the material order: “Observations, Social, Political and Economic, on the Goods of the Clergy” (1840), the periodical “Civilization,” and the book “Considerations on the Spanish Situation” (1841). The periodical “Society” refuted objections to religion and treated political and social questions. The book “Criterion” (1843) with penetrating analysis examines the influence of the affective life on the process of thought and defends right reason and common sense. In “25 Letters to a Skeptic” (1843-4) he presents a magnificent apologia of religion. “Thought of a Nation” (1844-6), very important weekly, established the principals of traditionalist Spanish thinking. The book “Protestantism and Catholicism Compared” (1844) is an incomparable apologetic on the civilizing mission of the Catholic Church and the destructive work of Protestantism. The book “Fundamental Philosophy” (1846), in 4 volumes, most important of his philosophical works, treats the tortuous questions of modern thinking in the clear light of the everlasting philosophy. Finally, “Pius IX” (1847), in defense of the Holy Father.

394. Saint Paul Mary of Saint Michael Archangel Pakenham. Born in Dublin (Ireland), 21^st September 1821, of noble Irish but Protestant lineage, he followed a military career in England, where the Duke of Wellington was his uncle. He enjoyed the life of his social class, while at the same time he was devoted to study, acquiring several languages. He felt impelled to seek the truth and recognized it in the writings of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, entering the Catholic Church at the age of 29. Shortly after, despite delicate health, he entered the Passionists, one of the most penitential orders. He impressed the community not only on account of the life he had given up, but for his virtues which endeared him to all. During the few remaining years of his life, illness was his constant cross. He did not wish for medicines or doctors: “The Rule is my medicine,” he would say, and kept observing it exactly. Ordained on the 29^th September, 1855, he went to Italy and Rome for his health. There he came to know better the spirit of the Holy Founder, Saint Paul of the Cross, Doctor of the Church. Returning to England, he was sent to found the first House in Ireland, that of Mount Argus in Dublin, in July 1856. Although of Protestant family and English background, in Dublin he felt as thought he had always been an Irish Catholic. The new Retreat soon came to be a spiritual centre for the city, although life was soon to end for Saint Paul Mary. After 6 months he died in holiness, 1^st March 1857, and all Dublin mourned the death of the saint. 37 years later, at the translation of the body, it was found incorrupt.

395. Saint Antonio Romeu Prat. Born in Vich (Catalonia) in 1863, he entered the Congregation of Saint Vincent de Paul and was ordained in 1888. In order to attend his aged invalid father, he was permitted to leave the Congregation and enter the diocese of Barcelona. He resided at Badalona, where for 30 years he lived an intense apostolate in imitation of Saint Francis and of Saint Vincent de Paul. His father died after being attended with utmost devotion, and left a property which Saint Antonio inherited and immediately sold, and used the sum for works of charity. He built a house for children and distributed all his goods, his bed, blankets, pillows and shoes, even his meals, to the poor. Saint Antonio regarded working men and women with particular compassion. For these he founded free night schools, Catholic syndicates, and arranged for them to practice the Spiritual Exercises in complete retirement. At the same time he promoted the splendour of religious cults, in Church and in Catholic institutions. He founded a periodical and distributed thousands of Catholic pamphlets. It has been said that the patrimony of Don Antonio Romeu was the poor, whom he fed, clothed and instructed. Loved by the poor, workers and children, he had an extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes, being accustomed to accompany the pilgrimages every years. His presence among the sick, his words, his fervent participation, left an unforgettable impression. He shared with his pilgrims his great love for the Immaculate Virgin, giving consolation and encouraging resignation to God’s holy will. In his last pilgrimage, September 1929, he himself went as a patient. He had suffered with resignation the previous two years, and he died 10^th February 1930, eve of the Apparition of Mary Immaculate at Lourdes.

396. Saint Pascasius of the Mother of God. Thomas, youngest son of Sri Ouseph Chethipuzha, of the family of Arackal and of Isabel Myladoor, was born in Anthiyalam, near Bharananganam, 2^nd March, 1905. From childhood he had felt a religious vocation, and as a youth he would teach children to pray, and he practiced great charity towards the poor and sick, including the untouchables. In 1904, he entered as a postulant in the Mother House of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate at Mannanam. After two years, he entered the novitiate at Ampalakkad with the name Pascasius of the Mother of God. During these years of study, he was always a model of simplicity and observance. After ordination in 1936, he began a laborious apostolate, publishing articles, teaching novices, hearing confessions in the churches of the region, preaching retreats, walking up and down the hills to administer the Sacraments to the sick. The people recognized the simplicity and innocence of the holy priest, and his spirit of poverty. After 20 years he was sent to Koothattukulam, where he laboured for the conversion of the Indians, and where his deeply spiritual virtues gained the veneration of all. Saint Pascasius was a great propagator of the cult of the Angels, and published articles on the subject. Despite his poor health, he went everywhere on foot, lived austerely, and supported his illnesses with patience and sweetness of manner. All came to him, children, poor, priests, religious, all attracted by his holiness, and the penitents flocked to his confessional. He began to prepare for death with holy impatience. Great disciple of Saint Therese of Lisieux, he loved his sufferings for God’s sake and found in them a sweet paradise on earth. When he regarded the great evils that provoke God’s wrath, he raised his eyes to the Virgin of Fatima, and the Holy Rosary, the ultimate remedy for avoiding the chastising arm of God. With little time left to live, he said: “I am content to die; but I am also content to suffer more, because to suffer for love of Jesus is the only desirable thing in this vale of tears.” He would speak simply of the mysteries of faith, of life here as a Christian, and beyond in glory. More eloquent still, he spoke with the example of his heroic virtues. He died 11^th September, 1968 with the words: “I am going home, Jesus is calling. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I confide my soul in your hands.” His body awaits the resurrection in the monastery of Saint Anne, in Kurianad.

397. Saint Jeanne Benigne Gojos. Born 20^th July, 1615 in Veronay (diocese of Geneva), she entered the convent at Annecy; later, the Mother Foundress of the Visitaiton, Saint Jeanne Francoise de Chantal, brought her to the new foundation at Turin. Sister Jeanne, formed in the sweet but strong school of the Mother Foundress, shines brilliantly in the firmament of the early Visitation. Among a thousand things related about her extraordinary life is the following: When the humble lay-sister was in Turin in 1639, and the Franco-Spanish War was at its height, bullets were flying within the convent. Saint Jeanne, charged with gathering the vegetables from the garden asked the superior: “Mother, how many canon shots shall I hear before leaving the garden?” “Three,” replied the Mother Superior. And the sister, respecting holy obedience, waited for the third shot before returning. On the way, a dozen shots fell at her feet, or passed her head, without upsetting her recollection. She walked slowly, the baskets of fruit and vegetables on her head, with lowered eyes, with tranquil countenance, and in complete silence. Such was her confidence in obedience, recognizing in her superior God Himself. Her life was a cloth interwoven with sublime revelations and lofty spiritual elevations. Her path was divine love, victim of the flames of love of the Heart of Jesus. She died in sanctity, 5^th November 1692, at 76 years of age, and 56 of religious life.

398. Saint Apolline Andriveau. Louise Apolline Andriveau was born 7^th May, 1810, in Saint Poucain (Allier, France). She was a very devout child, always recollected in Church, and she loved the Blessed Virgin. Of tender heart, she practiced great charity towards the poor. Brilliantly gifted in literature and art, she achieved fame in Paris as a writer while still young. At 23, she became a Sister of Charity and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her vocation, performing her convent duties as well as her apostolate among the poor with extraordinary love. In 1846, the year the Blessed Virgin wept at La Salette over the sins of her people, the Lord appeared to this humble daughter of Saint Vincent de Paul, Sister Apolline. The Lord wore a red tunic and blue mantle. He held a red scapular, showing on one part the instruments of the Passion, on the other the two Hearts, one crowned with thorns, the other transfixed, and between the Hearts a cross. In another vision of the Lord nailed to the Cross, she saw the Sacred Head knock against the wood, driving the thorns into His eyes and temples. The saint writes under obedience: “I shall never forget that moment. There stood the Blessed Virgin. Oh Jesus! Oh Mary! What suffering! What agony!” From that time Saint Appoline was never without the vision of the suffering Saviour. It was the time of the most vile attacks against the Church and against the Vicar of Christ, Saint Pius IX the Great. This great Pope, whose motto according to Saint Malachy’s prophecy of the Popes is “Cross of the Cross,” immediately in 1847, gave his approbation to the new “Red Scapular of the Passion and of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Most Loving and Compassionate Heart of the Immaculate Virgin Mary.” In the tragic year 1848, despoiled of his temporal power through the works of infernal Masonry, the holy Pontiff from his exile in Gaeta exhorted the Bishops and Priests to diffuse the Red Scapular. During more than 60 years of religious life, Saint Apolline hid her marvelous celestial favours. Her simple and humble life edified all and brought love and consolation to a multitude of poor. With a cross of suffering, she died 23^rd February, 1895, with the serenity of one already reposing in the arms of the Eternal Father.

399. Saint Bertilia Boscardin. Anna Francesca Boscardin was born in 1888 in Brendoa, between Vicenza and Verona (Italy), in a family of farmhands. The child was quiet and industrious. The father was given to drink, and family life was upset, as the father himself testified at the process of beatification of his daughter. The child had to work for the neighbours and could not go to school. She was backward, and the other children called her the ‘little dunce.’ The parish priest considered her sufficiently intelligent to peel potatoes, so at 16 she entered the Sisters of Saint Dorothy with the name Bertilia. She said to her novice mistress: “I don’t know how to do anything. I’m useless, only a little dunce. Teach me to be a saint.” After a year in the kitchen and in the laundry, she was sent to the convent in Treviso, where she stayed in the kitchen until after her profession. In 1907, she passed to the hospital, where she worked in the children’s ward. Soon she contracted the disease which tormented her to the end of her life. In 1915, the hospital was occupied by troops and in 1917 was on the battle front. During the air raids, Saint Bertilia fetched coffee and wine from the town for the sick, calmly reciting the Rosary along the way. She was sent to a military hospital near Como where all, with the exception of her Mother Superior, admired the industry and charity of Saint Bertilia. Nevertheless she was put in the laundry, where she worked without complaint. Later she returned to Treviso to the children’s ward. Her health deteriorated. She was operated on, but died, on the 2^nd October, 1922. Saint Bertilia Boscardin had followed her little spiritual way, simply fulfilling her duty day by day. In the hospital of Treviso there is a plaque with the inscription: “To Sister Bertilia Boscardin, chosen soul of heroic kindliness, who during several years, like an Angel, relieved human suffering in this hospital.” Beatified in 1952 by Saint Pius XII the Great, in the presence of members of the family and of several patients whom she had assisted.

400. Saint Marian Scotus. Muiredach MacRobartaich of Donegal (Ireland) was a very pious and simple youth. His parents had planned for him to be a priest, and the lad wore a kind of habit. In 1067 he left for Rome with several companions but never arrived there. In Bamberg, he lived in community under strict rule for a year. At Regensburg he stayed at the Abbey, and when the Abbess discovered his skill as a copyist, he began a work which lasted all his life. Saint Marian dedicated himself to copying religious texts with incomparable devotion. Most worthy of admiration are his copies of the Old and New Testaments, with commentaries and explanations. He worked with utmost zeal and with perfection. The endless work of copying he accomplished as a penance to gain heaven, all the while living in great austerity. One night, the servant who brought him candles forgot to do so. Remembering later in the night, she went with another servant bearing candles, and both were astonished to see the saint writing with one hand, and illuminating his work with rays of light from the fingers of the other. By his work of copying, Saint Marian came to know deeply the sacred sciences, not only as a theologian, but also as a poet. He wrote with a characteristic small and delicate style, and his name appeared at the end in Gaelic. He founded a monastery for the Irish, and was the first abbot. Such was the origin of the Scottish and Irish monasteries of Southern Germany. He died 1088.

401. Saint Bernard the Penitent. Nothing of the early life of Bernard is known, except that he was born in the diocese of Marguelone in Provence. Nor could his contemporaries say for certain what crimes he had committed. The document given him by his bishop when he began his life of penance states: “. . . because of the horrible crimes he committed, we have imposed the following penance: He will go barefoot 6 years. He will not wear a shirt during the rest of his life. He will abstain from meat every Wednesday, and on Fridays he will only eat bread with a little wine. He will fast 40 days before Christmas. On Fridays of Lent, he will only drink water . . . Given in Marguelone, in October of the 1170^th year of Our Lord’s Incarnation.” In the habit of a penitent, and weighed down with chains, Bernard made several pilgrimages: 3 times to Jerusalem, once to India, to implore the intercession of Saint Thomas the Apostle. After great suffering, he was told by Heaven to abstain from pilgrimages. He assisted the poor, cleaned the churches. The people were accustomed to his greeting: “God grant you a happy end.” He entered the monastery of Saint Bertin. Toward the end of his life, God gave him the gift of prophecy, and of miracles. At his funeral an immense multitude filled the Church. He died in 1182 and his feast is celebrated on the 19^th April.

402. Saint Marie de Oignies. Spouse, heroine of charity, penitent and mystic, she was born in 1185 in a distinguished family of Brabant (Belgium). Although she preferred religion, she was given, according to custom, in marriage to a virtuous youth at 14. She persuaded her spouse to live in absolute continence and to transform their spacious home into a hospital for lepers. The young pair attended their patients with unlimited self-denial. They washed them and watched beside the most grave. They gave alms to the poor of all the region, and their home became a central place of refuge. Marie practiced rigorous penances: hairshirts, vigils. Her tender devotion to the Passion caused her many tears, as well as her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, from which she confessed she received the strength to perform her penances and works of charity. God gave her many spiritual gifts, ecstasies, visions, knowledge of distant and future things, discernment of sacramentals, relics, etc. She was not affected by cold and was always warmed by her spirit, even during freezing weather. She lay extended from November to March on the stone floor of a church, lightly dressed, without contracting any sickness. During cold nights, a sweet fragrance as of incense was exhaled from her damp clothing. Her fame attracted many pilgrims, whom she edified with her consoling admonitions and good counsels. Among her friends and disciples was Jacques de Vitry, later a celebrated cardinal, who was personal witness of the marvels God worked through Marie, and was later her biographer. Her spouse permitted her to withdraw to a solitary cell beside the Augustinian monastery of Oignies. There the wonders multiplied, and during her last painful illness, she spoke constantly of heavenly things in rhyme and in verse. She was hardly 28 when she died, 23^rd June, 1213.

403. Saint Antonio the Pilgrim. Antonio Manzi was born in Padua (Italy), of distinguished family. His father died when Antonio was young and left him much wealth. Antonio at once distributed everything to the poor, and he was bitterly reproached by his relatives for squandering as they said what by right belonged to his two sisters. He was insulted and calumniated publicly in the streets of the town. In the habit of a pilgrim, he left Padua without definite object, until he came to Bazano, near Bologne, where he met an old and sick priest. He attended him for three years for love of God, both living on the alms Antonio begged, using only what was necessary and sharing the rest with other poor and needy. Antonio fasted all his life, used the discipline and hairshirt, slept on the floor with a stone for a pillow. He went on pilgrimage to Rome, Loretto, Compostela, Cologne and Jerusalem. In his native city, he was badly received by his sisters, who were religious. Condemned by all, Antonio built a shelter in the colonnade of a church outside the walls of Padua and died there shortly afterwards in 1267. Miracles multiplied at his tomb. The Paduans petitioned his canonization. But the Pope thought that one Saint Anthony sufficed for Padua. Nevertheless his cult persisted. His feast is the 1^st February.

404. Saint Gerardo de Monza. Monza, ancient capital of Lombardy, venerates one of her sons, Gerardo Tintorio, as principal patron. The cult of this great apostle of charity was promoted centuries later by another heroic apostle of charity, Saint Charles Borromeo, who attained the confirmation of the cult. Gerardo lost his parents when he was very young. When he came of age, he used his inheritance to build a hospital for the needy and sick and dedicated his life to the patients. He went out in search of the sick and brought them to the hospital. He washed the lepers, gave them the kiss of peace, and refused no service he could render, and thanks to his care, many sick recovered their health. He wrote a Rule and put his institution under the protection of the Cathedral canons. Later, the hospital was staffed by Franciscan tertiaries. When the city suffered a famine, the supplies of the hospital became exhausted. The steward hastened to inform Saint Gerardo that they were condemned to death. The saint said he would talk with God about it and began to pray. When the man returned to the store rooms, he could hardly open the doors because of the grain inside,- while in the cellar there was a reserve of new wine. Once in the middle of winter he wished to pass the night in prayer in the Church of Saint John Baptist. The sacristans were not well disposed, and one of them said yes if Gerardo would bring some cherries. The following day, the saint brought a bunch of fresh ripe cherries for each of the sacristans, which explains the cherry branch in the painting representing the saint. Saint Gerardo de Monza died 6^th June, 1207.

405. Saint Juan the Sinner. Juan Grande was born in the little Andalusian town of Carmona, in 1546. As a young man, he had a clothing shop; but since worldly things had little attraction for him, he distributed his goods and went to live as a hermit. Of irreproachable life, Juan considered himself the worst of men. He added to his name, so that instead of being Juan Grande, which mean John Great, he became John the Great Sinner; and as Juan the Sinner he is still venerated in Andalusia. Of great compassion, he brought the homeless to his hut, attended to them, and went out to beg for them. He served in the hospitals and suffered persecution because the staff saw in his devoted work a silent reproach for their own negligence. Some benefactors founded a hospital and handed it over to Juan. Patients came, and many youths also came to serve. To perpetuate the work, Juan affiliated it with the Hospitallers of Saint John of God. Saint Juan the Sinner helped all the afflicted, abandoned spouses, prisoners, fugitive soldiers. He gave dowries to poor young women. Amidst all his activity, he lived in the spirit, often falling into ecstasy. He contracted the pest while assisting the victims and died in 1600 at 54. Beatified by Saint Pius IX the Great in 1853.

406. Saint Gregorio Lopez. Born in Madrid, he served as a page in the court of Saint Philip II, King of Spain. In 1562, he went on pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Extramadura, and there he heard of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico. He set out for Mexico, convinced that God would manifest His will for him. In Vera Cruz, he sold all his possessions, distributed all to the poor, and sought a place to live as a hermit. He chose a solitude for prayer and penance and walked 40 kilometres to hear Mass and receive the Sacraments. He moved to a plantation until the earthquake of 1566, then entered the Dominicans, but found that his vocation lay elsewhere. He retired to the Huasteca, and busy tongues began to make of him a man of mystery, so that the Archbishop of Mexico called for an investigation, - after which Gregorio’s piety and virtue were recognized. Then the saint tried to flee from the curiosity of the many visitors. Interned in a hospital, he wrote a book on pharmacy, since he had learned much about the medical properties of plants during his solitary life. Until his death, he lived with his friend, Father Francisco Losa, in a well-ordered eremitical life. A student of Sacred Scripture, Gregorio was frequently consulted by clergy and people and passed long hours in prayer. Speaking of union with God, Saint Gregorio said: “Perfection does not consist in feeling joy but in trying to love God with all one’s strength of soul.” He died 20^th July, 1596 at 54, and his cult was extended throughout Mexico.

407. Saint Margherita Occhiena Bosco. Margherita Occhiena was born in Castelnuovo of a family of Piedmontese farmers. Very industrious and devout, she married Francisco Bosco, whose first wife had died, leaving him a son; and Margherita lavished a mother’s love on her stepchild as well as on the two sons born of this marriage. Francisco died when Giovanni, the younger son, was two. The young widow took up all the work of the fields and at the same time made her home a corner of heaven for her family. The poor used to come to Margherita, as did the hungry and sick. Sometimes hunger itself called at her home. Nothing, however, could disturb her profound confidence in divine Providence. Unable to read or write, the saintly mother knew the catechism and what she had heard in sermons. She educated her sons with anecdotes full of imagination and wisdom. She taught them the presence of God, His grandeur and paternal love, awakening their conscience with the words: “God sees you.” Gentle and firm at the same time, she moulded the character of her sons and made them practice every Christian virtue. The people used to call John the “son of Margherita,” just as we today call Margherita “the mother Don Bosco.” The years passed, years devoted to her family, years of sacrifice and poverty. When Don Bosco was ordained, his mother said: “Remember, to begin to say Mass is to begin to suffer.” Margherita could have lived as mistress of the home of her elder son, but she chose poverty again and went with her son the priest to Turin, to live in some miserable quarters. “Remember,” she told him, “if you ever become rich, I will never set foot in your house.” And Margherita became the humble servant and mother of a swarm of boys, abandoned, ragged, rude and rebellious. These were the ones who found the word that made sorrow and desperation disappear: “Mama Margherita!” In the marvelous pages of the life of the son we meet the mother, a woman of incomparable sweetness and of maternal faith, superior to all science and wisdom. Margherita lived ten years in the motherhouse of Turin, inseparably united with her son, founder of the miraculous edifice of the Salesians. The little word of admonishment which Mama Margherita used to give the first boys before they retired became part of the customs of the Salesians under the name of the “Good-night.” She died amidst the tears of her sons, 25^th November, 1856. She had said: “I was born poor, I have lived poor, and I die poor.” She had only one dress, that of a countrywoman, which also served as a shroud. Don Bosco, the saint, said: “My mother was a saint.”

408. Saint Dorotea de Chopitea. She was born 4^th June 1816 in Santiago de Chile. Because of the revolution provoked against Spain, the Mother country, by Satanical Masonry, her father returned with his family to Spain, settled in Barcelona, and educated their numerous children in every Christian virtue. At 16, Dorotea married Jose Maria Serra, of another distinguished family returned from Chile. During the political violence of the time, the young spouse showed herself a valiant woman. She received into her home an older sister, driven from her convent, who contributed much during many years to the spirituality of Dorotea and to the education of the daughters who came to be born. Dorotea practiced mortifications, used the discipline, and the family recited the Rosary and other prayers with regularity. She could have lived in opulence, but preferred a simple life and practiced a stupendous charity towards the poor. Of most ardent devotion to the Sacred Heart, her courage on certain occasions of violence was heroic. She helped to establish in Barcelona the month of Mary. When Saint Dorotea was surrounded by her daughters, their spouses, and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren, there reigned in her home an indescribable holy joy,- scenes which, given the destruction of the Christian family by Satanical action of the Masons, have become ever more rare. The maternal heart of Dorotea felt the misery of the working class in an industrialized society. She began to establish day-schools for the children of working parents. It would be impossible in a few words to give an adequate idea of the foundations and of the maternal love and energy of Dorotea and of her personal dedication to each work and each individual, as though each were exclusive and unique. From the day she came to know the work of Don Bosco, which corresponded exactly to her ideals, she left no stone unturned to introduce the Salesians into Barcelona. Don Bosco himself recognized Dorotea as born to the work, and his sons, like their father, called her their mother. Dorotea had conceived a tender devotion towards Mary Help of Christians and invited also to Barcelona the “Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix.” When Saint John Bosco died, his successor, Saint Michael Rua, wrote to Dorotea, calling her “our mamma of Barcelona, of the Salesians and of the Sisters.” The 3^rd of April, 1891, first Friday of the month, Saint Dorotea de Chopitea died, poor in spirit and in fact, having distributed all her goods.

409. Saint Leonie van den Dijk. This saint resembles Saint Anna Maria Taigi; however, greater were her hardships. Born 18^th October, 1875 in Idegem, Flanders, of a humble and numerous family, at ten she had to work for her daily bread. At 17 she married a worker of Onkerzele, who became a slave to drink, and when Leonie reproached him, he left home never to return. They had thirteen children, of whom four died in infancy. Leonie had to work hard for her children, whom she loved tenderly. God made her his instrument, this little and slight poor woman. Despite the pressure of work, she visited daily the Chapel of Our Lady of Dolours to pray the Rosary with some neighbours. On the 4^th August, 1933, the Virgin appeared to her, the first of 35 times, begging prayer, penance and conversion. The apparitions attracted more and more both believers and the curious. There were miraculous cures, supernatural phenomena, culminating 18^th December 1933 in a “miracle of the sun,” like that of Fatima, but which lasted one and a half hours and was witnessed by 20,000 persons. Onkerzele was part of a region of socialist workers, and the reactions were violent against Leonie, defamation and abuse, stone throwing, rubbish, old shoes, etc. Leonie was not to be intimidated and ignored the outrages. There appeared on the scene a company of seers, both true and false, so that Onkerzele fell into disrepute with the people and the ecclesiastical authorities. There began a Calvary for Leonie, as well as other extraordinary graces. Like Saint Maria Taigi, Leonie continually saw things hidden from mortal eyes, the history of the Redemption from our first parents until Jesus Christ, the life of Christ, with participation in the Passion. She saw consciences, sins and crimes, and the lot of the dead, heaven, purgatory and hell,- nothing was hidden from her eyes in the light of God. She saw the future, the 2^nd World War, with many details now verified, and the final catastrophes that will come if mankind does not repent, in which three quarters of all men will perish. She saw the reign of Jesus and Mary to come. Leonie, insignificant in appearance, knew more than the theologians and saw more than most mystics. She received the stigmata on the 14^th September, Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, but these were ordinarily invisible. She received Communion frequently from the Lord. From 1933 to 1940, she slept on the floor, a victim for the sins of men. In summer of 1935, Our Lord appeared at the 6^th Station of the Way of the Cross and said to her: “I implore that here be venerated my Holy Face, together with the Sorrows of My Most Holy Mother.” Christmas of 1937, she was raised to Heaven and saw things not to be described. When she returned to herself, the persons about her seemed monsters of ugliness. It was revealed that after the purification of humanity, Onkerzele would become a great sanctuary. She died altogether alone, as had been told her, 23^rd June, 1949, eve of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Saint Leonie van den Dijk is one of the great videntes, victim souls, penitents, stigmatists and prophets of the Last Times.

410. Saint Clara Dominica Moes. Thanks to the autobiography that the saint wrote by order of her father confessor, we know something of the wonders God worked in her. Born in Luxembourg, 27^th October 1832 in a profoundly Christian family, of which three sons became priests, Clara Dominica was baptized the day of her birth, and there began the prodigies of grace. At baptism, she received the use of reason, knew the mystery of the Blessed Trinity and the mission God had chosen for her, a victim soul for the Church and in particular way for the Dominican Order, greatly in decline since the French Revolution. The child saw constantly her Guardian Angel and other Angels, who taught her prayers and spiritual life. At the age of one, the Blessed Virgin and the Child Jesus appeared and taught her the invocation: “O Mary conceived without sin,” – and announced the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. An Angel showed her a heart surrounded by thorns and explained the reason for the Passion of Christ. The next day, the life of victim soul began for the child, hardly a year old. Her mother, who had put her to sleep in good health, found her suffering greatly, disfigured and almost blind. The doctors could neither explain nor cure the mysterious ailment. Amidst great sufferings and heavenly consolations, the child grew, and God permitted the parents to leave her unattended, without suspecting what wonders were at work in her soul. Later her appearance became gradually normal, and the child could do chores at home and go to school. She could not be taught, as she already knew everything. She kept her secret of how the Angels instructed her. For her first Communion at 10, her Angel gave her a lengthy preparation, and on the day made a vow always to do what was more perfect. The child helped her parents with admirable goodness and humility. She increased her prayers and penance with the years, suffered mystically, was vexed by the devil, and received consolations, as well as the crown of thorns, stigmata, the mystical marriage. In 1810 Our Lord charged her with the foundation in Luxembourg of a Dominican convent of strict observance. She met all obstacles, founded first a little convent of the Third Order, incorporating it later in the Second Order of Saint Dominic. In the world, the saint was called Anna Moes, and in religion Clara Dominica. She fulfilled perfectly her duties as religious and as superior, and became victim soul for the whole Church, especially the religious Orders of the Dominicans, Jesuits and Benedictines. She sacrificed herself for the Holy Souls, who frequently appeared to her. In 1888, her stigmata disappeared but remained invisibly, with the same suffering as before. Her life of victim ended 24^th February 1895, and she received her eternal recompense.

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Referring to No. 290 of the present Document, the cause of Saint Rudolfo Aquaviva and Companions, martyrs, we left uncounted 5 of these companions whose names appear in the article. These are:

411. Saint Alfonso Pacheco, martyr, Spanish priest.

412. Saint Petrus Berno, martyr, Swiss priest.

413. Saint Antonio Francesco, martyr, Italian priest.

414. Saint Francisco Aranha, martyr, Portuguese brother.

415. Saint Gonzalo Rodriguez, martyr, Portuguese layman.

Referring to No. 291, the cause of Saint Roque Gonzalez and Companions, martyrs:

416. Saint Alonso Rodriguez, martyr, Spanish priest.

417. Saint Juan de Castillo, martyr, Spanish priest.

With this clarification, the number of saints canonized in this Document is 417 by name. To date, a total of 1,483.

Given in Seville, at the Apostolic See, 30^th March, 11^th anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Mother of Palmar Crowned, Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ, MCMLXXIX.

With Our Apostolic Blessing,

Gregorius XVII PP. Pontifex Maximus

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