Michael (Who Is Like To God?)

Michael, whose name translates to “Who is like to God?”, is known as a warrior in the celestial realm. He is a defender against evil forces and a protector of the faithful. He is recognized in Scripture on four occasions:

In Daniel 10:13, where he assists Gabriel.
Daniel 12, marking his role in the end times.
The Epistle of St. Jude, revealing his dispute with the devil over Moses’ body.
In Revelation 12:7, highlighting his leadership in the battle against the dragon.
Christian tradition ascribes to Michael four key roles: battling Satan, saving souls from evil especially at death, being the champion for both Jews and Christians, and ushering souls to judgment. While his celestial rank varies among interpretations, many believe he’s the prince of all angels.

Michael’s imagery in art often depicts him as a warrior defeating a dragon, symbolizing Satan. He sometimes holds scales or the book of life, underlining his role in judgment.

Gabriel (The Power of God)

Gabriel is notably known as the angel of the Incarnation and Consolation. He is depicted in the Bible four times:

Daniel 8, interpreting Daniel’s vision.
Daniel 9, communicating the prophecy of the “seventy weeks.”
Foretelling the birth of John the Baptist to Zachary in Luke 1 v8ff.
Announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary in Luke 1:26.
Though Gabriel’s name appears only twice in the New Testament, tradition often attributes to him other biblical appearances, like the angel who strengthened Jesus in the garden. Though commonly referred to as an archangel, there are interpretations based on his and Raphael’s declarations that they might hold a higher celestial rank.

Raphael (God has healed)

Raphael is prominently featured in the Book of Tobias from the Septuagint, where he accompanies young Tobias on an adventure, eventually revealing himself as an archangel. His main roles include offering prayers to the Lord on behalf of humans and healing.

Though only Michael and Gabriel are named in the New Testament, many believe Raphael is the “angel of the Lord” from John 5, who stirs healing waters at Bethzatha.

The three archangels, each with distinct roles, feature prominently in Christian teachings and traditions, emphasizing protection, communication, and healing.

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Saint Wenceslaus was born circa 907 near Prague in present-day Czech Republic.

After the tragic death of his father in battle when Wenceslaus was only 13, his mother, the pagan Drahomira, ascended to the throne. She quickly ushered in an era of anti-Christian governance, a stark contrast to the Christian upbringing that Wenceslaus received from his grandmother, St. Ludmilla.

The tension between Drahomira and Ludmilla reached a boiling point when the former orchestrated the murder of the latter. Drahomira’s rule became increasingly oppressive in the name of young Wenceslaus. Recognizing the toll this was taking on his people, at 18, Wenceslaus overthrew his mother, taking the reins of the kingdom himself.

As a monarch, Wenceslaus collaborated closely with the Church. He tirelessly worked to transform his pagan homeland. Ending the persecution of Christians was top of his agenda, followed by constructing churches and recalling banished priests. His reign was marked by piety and philanthropy, earning him the affectionate title “Good King” from his subjects.

Wenceslaus led a life of chastity, and his compassion for the downtrodden was well-known. Not only did he provide for the poor, but he also personally attended their funerals, freed captives, and visited prisons. He took upon himself tasks like preparing wheat for altar breads and pressing grapes for ceremonial wine. Legend has it that in winter, he would traverse snowy terrains barefooted to churches, leaving a trail of bloodied footprints.

In 929, the German king, Henry I, threatened invasion. Opting for peace over battle, Wenceslaus submitted, a decision that displeased his pagan brother, Boleslav. Under the guise of brotherly love, Boleslav invited Wenceslaus to his castle. The subsequent day, September 28, 929, en route to Mass, a treacherous Boleslav assassinated Wenceslaus.

In his final moments, Wenceslaus exemplified Christ-like forgiveness, pardoning his brother and praying for his salvation. His untimely death at 22 led to his canonization, making him the first Slav saint. Today, he is a symbol of hope for the Czech Republic and is venerated as its national hero.

Saint Wenceslaus is not just the patron of Bohemia, but also the patron for brewers and Moravia.

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Saint Vincent de Paul, born circa 1580 in the modest village of Pouy in Gascony, France, hailed from a humble background.

His early education was spearheaded by the Franciscan Fathers at Acqs. Such was his academic prowess that within four years, he was selected by a nobleman to tutor his children, allowing Vincent to further his studies without straining his family financially.

In 1596, Vincent ventured to the University of Toulouse to delve into theological studies and became a priest by 1600. However, a significant turn of events occurred in 1605 during a sea journey from Marseilles to Narbonne: he was captured by African pirates and taken as a slave to Tunis. Approximately two years later, through a stroke of divine intervention, Vincent managed to escape his captors. Following a brief stint in Rome, he settled in France, securing a position as a tutor for the family of Emmanuel de Gondy, the Count of Goigny and a key figure in the French naval forces.

By 1617, Vincent initiated missionary works. In 1625, he laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the Congregation of the Mission or Lazarists, named after the Priory of St. Lazarus, which they began to inhabit from 1633.

His overwhelming sense of charity reached out to all, from destitute children to the elderly. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity owe their inception to him. Despite being lauded by high-ranking individuals, Vincent’s humility remained unshaken. In 1660, aged eighty, the illustrious Apostle of Charity passed away in Paris.

St. Vincent de Paul is counted among the Incorruptibles. This unique group of saints exhibit no decomposition post-death, symbolizing Christ’s triumph over mortality.

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Saints Cosmas & Damian, twin brothers from Arabia, are celebrated early Christian martyrs renowned for their dedication to healing in the port town of Aegea (present-day Ayas) located in the Gulf of Issus, then part of the Roman province of Syria.

Their refusal to charge for their medical services earned them the moniker “anargyroi,” or “The Silverless.” This act of selflessness reportedly converted many to Christianity.

During Emperor Diocletian’s reign, when Christians were heavily persecuted, these brothers faced arrest on the orders of the Cilician Prefect, Lysias. Despite enduring extreme torture, including crucifixion, stoning, and being shot with arrows, they remained unwavering in their faith. They ultimately met their end by beheading. Their younger brothers – Anthimus, Leontius, and Euprepius – who were always by their side, also shared in this martyrdom.

One of their most notable miracles was the transplantation of a leg from a deceased Ethiopian to replace a man’s diseased limb. This pious tradition has been depicted in numerous artworks over the ages.

Recognized as the patron saints of physicians and surgeons, they are mentioned in the Canon of the Mass and the Litany of the Saints and are often depicted with symbols related to healthcare.

Their purported skulls hold a revered spot in Madrid’s convent of the Clares, having been there since 1581. These relics were generously donated by Maria, the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

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Saint Finbar (550-623), often distinguished by his remarkably light hair, earned the nickname Fionnbharr, meaning “white hair” in Gaelic.

Born to Amergin, an artisan, and a noblewoman from the Irish royal court, he received his education at the esteemed Kilmacahil monastery in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Known for his devotion and spiritual journeys, St. Finbar embarked on multiple pilgrimages to Rome. On one such journey, he had the privilege of visiting the revered Saint David of Wales. With a fervor to spread the word, he preached extensively across southern Ireland, and there are accounts suggesting he might have traveled to Scotland too.

Finding solace in solitude, St. Finbar lived as a hermit on two occasions: once on a tiny island in Lough Eiroe and later at Gougane Barra. Demonstrating his commitment to education and spiritual guidance, he established a school at Eirce.

Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies is the monastery he founded on the River Lee. This sacred establishment would over time evolve into the city known today as Cork, Ireland. Honoring his contributions, the city reveres St. Finbar as its patron saint and recognizes him as its inaugural bishop.

Mysticism surrounds St. Finbar, with many extraordinary miracles ascribed to him. One of the most pious traditions claims that after his passing, the sun refused to set for a full two weeks, casting a perpetual light over the lands he so dearly loved.

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Saint Pacificus of San Severino, born into an esteemed family in the Marche of Ancona, central Italy, eventually devoted his life to the spiritual path by joining the Friars Minor.

Upon ordination, he spent a brief period teaching philosophy before embarking on a notable career as a preacher.

Pacifico was known for his rigorous ascetic practices. His diet was minimal, consisting only of bread, soup, or water. In addition to this, he wore an iron “hair shirt” as a symbol of his penance and devotion. Among his peers, he was particularly revered for his unwavering commitment to poverty and obedience.

Tragedy struck when Pacifico was 35, as he was afflicted by a debilitating illness, causing him to become deaf, blind, and crippled. Instead of despairing, he channeled his suffering, offering it for the redemption of sinners. Miraculously, many who sought his blessings and intercession experienced healing. In addition to his miraculous abilities, Pacifico played a pivotal role as the superior of the friary in San Severino.

His legacy was formally recognized when he was canonized in 1839.

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Francesco, named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, was born to Giuseppa and Grazio Forgione, peasant farmers, in the small Italian village of Pietrelcina on May 25, 1887.

From his childhood, it was evident that he was a special child of God. Francesco was very devout even as a child, and at an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the habit in 1902. Francesco was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study and became known as Padre Pio.

On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first  stigmatized priest in the history of Church.

The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the wounds would heal.

The wounds of the stigmata were not the only mystical phenomenon experienced by Padre Pio.
The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and the gift of bilocation was attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to bring both sinners and devout souls closer to God; he would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to Padre Pio about his possible canonization.

He died on September 23, 1968 at the age of eighty-one. His funeral was attended by about 100,000 people.

On June 16, 2002, over 500,000 Padre Pio devotees gathered in Rome to witness Pope John Paul II proclaim Padre Pio, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The Padre Pio Foundation and many benefactors traveled to Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Pietrelcina, Piana Romana and many other holy places to celebrate Padre Pio’s Canonization.

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Over six thousand men formed the Theban Legion, a group primarily conscripted from profoundly Christian regions surrounding Thebes, Egypt, which explains the origin of their name. Their dedication and loyalty were evident as they journeyed from the East to Gaul, simultaneously upholding their commitment to the Roman Emperor and their faith in God.

While encamped near Lake Geneva under Emperor Maximian, a pivotal test of their faith occurred. They received orders to both offer sacrifices to the Roman deities and to turn their weapons against fellow Christians. Bound by their unwavering faith, the legion chose to defy this command.

Maximian, incensed by their defiance, decreed their “decimation.” In this brutal order, every tenth soldier would be executed as a chilling lesson. Despite witnessing their comrades fall, the legion remained resilient, not even attempting to defend themselves against this grim fate. Their leader, St. Maurice, became a beacon of hope and encouragement. He declared to Maximian, “We remain your loyal soldiers, yet we are also the faithful servants of the true God. While we will obey in all that’s just, we cannot bear the guilt of shedding innocent blood. We’ve witnessed our brethren’s sacrifice and honor their martyrdom. We bear arms, yet we won’t resist. We’d rather meet an honorable death than live in sin.” In a display of steadfast faith, the soldiers laid down their weapons, awaiting their fate with quiet dignity. The Emperor’s wrath, however, knew no bounds, and he continued the massacres until none remained.

Today, the memory of St. Maurice and the Theban Legion lives on, notably in the town of Saint-Moritz, Switzerland.

Among those remembered from the Theban Legion are:

Saint Alexander of Bergamo
Saint Candidus the Theban
Saint Exuperius
Saint Innocent the Theban
Saint Maurice
Saint Secundus the Theban
Saint Ursus the Theban
Saint Victor of Agaunum
Saint Victor of Xanten
Saint Victor the Theban
Saint Vitalis of Agaunum.

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Saint Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles, penned the first Gospel, a fact consistently upheld by Church tradition and substantiated by the Gospel’s content.

Matthew, the son of Alpheus, was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him to discipleship. Prior to this life-changing event, he was known as a publican, which meant he was professionally involved in tax collection. Interestingly, he is also recognized as “Levi” in the accounts of Mark and Luke.

Initially, Matthew’s evangelistic endeavors were concentrated within the confines of Palestinian communities. His later years remain shrouded in mystery. There are tales that suggest he might have preached in Ethiopia, while other stories hint at his work in Parthia or Persia. It remains debatable whether he passed away naturally or was martyred for his faith.

Matthew’s Gospel emerged from a palpable need among his Palestinian peers, addressing both believers and skeptics. For the faithful, it was a gesture of solidarity and a source of fortitude against impending adversities, particularly the temptation to revert to Judaism. For the skeptics, it was a testament to the arrival of the Messiah in the form of Jesus, signifying the spiritual realization of the Messianic Kingdom that transcends earthly realms, as Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” This Gospel became a response to the query posed by St. John the Baptist’s followers: “Are You the One who is to come, or should we await another?”

Targeting a Palestinian audience, Matthew initially wrote his Gospel in Aramaic, referred to as the “Hebrew tongue” in both the Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. He is believed to have ventured to foreign lands around the time of Herod Agrippa I’s persecution in 42 AD. Some believe he penned his Gospel between 42 AD and the Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD, or perhaps even later. However, the depiction of an undestroyed Jerusalem in his Gospel, without hinting at the city’s prophesized downfall, suggests it was written before the Romans decimated it in 70 AD. This inference aligns with early traditions.

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Saint Eustace, originally a Roman general named Placidus, experienced a profound conversion during a hunting trip.

As he was chasing a majestic stag, the animal suddenly turned to face him. Remarkably, nestled between its antlers, Placidus perceived a crucifix. Accompanying this vision was a voice that identified itself as Jesus, revealing to Placidus that he was unknowingly venerating Him. This voice further prophesied that Placidus would endure sufferings for his faith.

Embracing this divine calling, Placidus, along with his wife and two sons, were baptized as Christians. He took the name Eustace, and his family’s names became Theopista, Agapetus, and Theopestus. However, their newfound faith brought challenges; Eustace was publicly denounced as a Christian, leading to the confiscation of his property and the loss of his family, who were taken away.

Emperor Trajan, recognizing his abilities as a general, later summoned Eustace back to fend off barbarians threatening Rome. Successfully repelling the invaders, Eustace and his family, now all devout Christians, stood firm in their faith by declining to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods during the victory celebrations.

Infuriated by their defiance, Trajan ordered the family to be thrown to the lions. But instead of attacking, the lions gently played around them. Seeing this, the authorities then decided to seal Eustace and his family inside a bronze bull, subjecting them to a horrifying death by roasting.

Today, Saint Eustace is honored as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and is venerated especially by hunters. Artistic depictions often portray him in noble attire alongside the iconic stag with the crucifix between its horns.

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The Word Among Us

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