St. Mary Magdalene holds an esteemed position in the Bible, second perhaps only to the mother of Jesus herself. Despite this, she’s often been subject to misconceptions and unfounded stories.

Famously referred to as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” Mary Magdalene was consistently present during significant moments in Jesus’ life. She was among those who supported Jesus and his Twelve Disciples with her resources. Notably, she witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and the subsequent discovery of his empty tomb. Remarkably, it was she who was first granted the privilege of the awareness of the Resurrection.

Her moniker, ‘Magdalene,’ originated from her residence in Magdala, a Gentile town located in northern Galilee. Despite her Jewish roots, she adopted the culture and manners of a Gentile, due to her surroundings.

A persistent myth in the Church inaccurately identifies Mary Magdalene as the unnamed sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 who anointed Jesus’ feet. However, modern Scripture scholars highlight the absence of any scriptural evidence to support this mix-up. Mary Magdalene, also known as the one “of Magdala,” is instead recognized as the woman from whom Jesus cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)—suggesting she suffered either from severe demonic possession or, possibly, a grave illness.

Father W.J. Harrington, O.P., in the New Catholic Commentary, asserts that the mention of “seven demons” does not imply Mary’s immoral life, a supposition drawn from incorrectly associating her with the anonymous woman in Luke 7:36. Similarly, Father Edward Mally, S.J., in the Jerome Biblical Commentary, concurs that the western romantic tradition mistakenly identifies her as the sinner in Luke 7:37.

According to pious legend, 14 years after Jesus’ death, St. Mary, along with Sts. Lazarus, Martha, Maximin, Sidonius, her maid Sera, and St. Anne’s body, was put in a boat devoid of sails or oars by the Jews. They drifted to the shores of Southern France. Here, St. Mary spent her remaining years as a contemplative in a cave called Sainte-Baume. Miraculously, she was sustained by the Holy Eucharist, given to her daily by angels as her only nourishment.

At the age of 72, just before her death, she was miraculously transported to St. Maximin’s chapel, where she received the last sacraments.

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Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, renowned for his extraordinary language proficiency, mastered not just his native Italian but also Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French. This unique ability set the stage for his extraordinary contributions to the Christian faith.

Born on July 22, 1559, Lawrence, then known as Julius Caesar or Caesare in Italian, tragically lost his parents at a young age. His upbringing was overseen by his uncle, who ensured he received a quality education at the College of St. Mark in Venice.

Lawrence’s journey into spiritual life began when he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Venice at the young age of 16, and it was here that he adopted his new name. His intellectual journey continued as he pursued studies in philosophy and theology at the University of Padua, eventually being ordained a priest at 23.

Lawrence’s linguistic skills allowed him to study the Bible in its original languages. His profound understanding of Hebrew so impressed the Jewish rabbis that they suspected he was a converted Jew. His contributions to Christian-Jewish dialogue were so significant that Pope Clement VIII enlisted him to preach to the Jews in Italy.

Over time, Lawrence’s scholarly work took form, culminating in a 15-volume edition of his writings published by the Capuchins in 1956. These works largely consisted of sermons rooted deeply in scriptural quotations, highlighting his commitment to biblical teachings. He also penned a commentary on Genesis and multiple treatises challenging Martin Luther’s doctrines.

Simultaneously, Lawrence was ascending the ranks of the Capuchin Order due to his combination of scholarly brilliance, human compassion, and leadership skills. At only 31, he was elected the major superior of the Capuchin Franciscan province of Tuscany. His effectiveness in leadership was recognized widely, leading to his election as the minister general of the Capuchins in 1602. Under his leadership, the Order experienced significant growth and expansion.

Beyond his administrative duties, Lawrence also served as a papal emissary and peacemaker, roles that took him to various foreign lands. A peace mission in his native kingdom of Naples even led him to Lisbon to engage with the king of Spain. Unfortunately, it was during this journey that he fell seriously ill, leading to his demise in 1619.

Lawrence’s impact was commemorated through his canonization in 1881 and his proclamation as a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

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Saint Joseph Barsabas, one of the seventy-two original disciples of Christ, was considered to replace Judas, the infamous apostle who betrayed the Lord. Yet, when St. Matthias was chosen instead, St. Joseph remained undeterred and joyous in the Lord’s presence.

This anecdote comes from the teachings of St. Chrysostom, who admired St. Joseph’s acceptance and resilience.

Following the scattering of the disciples, St. Joseph embarked on an evangelical mission, spreading the teachings of the gospel to diverse nations. His miracles are plentiful and, perhaps, the most striking among them was his ability to ingest poison without suffering any harm, as recorded by Papias and Eusebius.

Due to his extraordinary piety and unwavering devotion to faith, St. Joseph was fondly known as ‘the Just.’ As tradition unfolds, St. Joseph continued his journey, eventually ascending to the position of Bishop of Eleutheropolis.

However, this revelation carries an intriguing historical context, for Eleutheropolis, in the 1st century, was nothing more than a humble village. Its unfortunate inhabitants, along with many others, were massacred and enslaved by Vespasian in AD 68.

Eventually, St. Joseph met a heroic end, becoming a martyr in the very place he served as Bishop. Today, he is venerated as Saint Justus of Eleutheropolis, a symbol of his remarkable piety and enduring faith.

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Justa (born 268 AD) and Rufina (born 270 AD), two devout Christian women from Seville, Spain, lived by selling earthenware.

Unwilling to participate in or support idolatrous practices, they declined to sell their wares for use in pagan ceremonies. When their refusal incited worshippers to break their stock, Justa and Rufina retaliated by toppling an idol of a false goddess. The enraged townspeople reported them to the governor for their unwavering commitment to their faith.

Brought before the prefect, they boldly confessed their allegiance to Christ. In response, he ordered their bodies to be stretched on the rack and their sides to be lacerated with hooks. A pagan idol was placed near the rack alongside incense, a subtle suggestion that offering a sacrifice could lead to their release. But their faith remained unshaken.

In the course of this brutal torture, Justa met her untimely death. Upon seeing this, the judge commanded that Rufina be strangled. Following their executions in 287 AD, their bodies were consigned to the flames.

Justa and Rufina are held in especially high regard in Spain, their names symbolizing the fortitude of historical martyrs in the face of religious persecution.

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Born in Solero, Piedmont around 1048, Saint Bruno of Segni emerged as a remarkable figure in Italy, both for his intellectual prowess and for his eminent spirituality. Serving in multiple prestigious roles such as Benedictine bishop, Vatican librarian, and cardinal legate, Bruno’s legacy spans over a lifetime dedicated to the Church, before he passed away in 1123.

Bruno’s education began in his hometown’s Benedictine monastery and furthered in Bologna, post which he was ordained and became a canon of Sienna. His profound learning and exceptional piety didn’t go unnoticed; he was summoned to Rome where his prudent counsel was greatly sought after by four consecutive popes.

During a Roman synod in 1079, Bruno’s theological acumen was evident as he compelled Berengarius of Tours, a denier of the real presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, to retract his heresy. He also held a close friendship with Gregory VII, who consecrated him as the Bishop of Segni in 1080. Despite being offered the cardinalate, Bruno’s humility led him to decline. Known as “the brilliant defender of the church,” Bruno showcased an invincible courage in championing ecclesiastical reform and staunchly denouncing lay investiture, even labelling it heretical.

In 1095, Bruno accompanied Pope Urban II to the Council of Clermont, which marked the initiation of the First Crusade. Seven years later, he embraced monastic life at Monte Casino, where he was elected abbot in 1107 without giving up his episcopal duties. He stood with many bishops from Italy and France in opposition to the “Privilegium,” a treaty that Henry V of Germany had coerced from Pope Paschal II. Bruno openly criticized the pope for this agreement that partly conceded the unacceptable claim of investiture of ring and crosier upon bishops and abbots to the German king. In response to his vocal opposition, Paschal II ordered Bruno to relinquish his abbey and resume his episcopal duties.

Nonetheless, Bruno remained unyielding in his dedication to his flock’s welfare and the larger interests of the Church until his death. Pope Lucius III canonized him in 1183, and his feast is celebrated on July 18th. Bruno left behind a rich literary legacy, primarily comprising scriptural works, which include commentaries on the Pentateuch, the Book of Job, the Psalms, the four Gospels, and the Apocalypse.

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Saint Alexis was the only child of a wealthy Roman senator, born into a devout Christian family. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of charity and kindness, particularly towards the impoverished. Despite his personal aspiration to renounce his wealth and prestige, Alexis found himself in an arranged marriage with a rich bride, a match set up by his parents.

Yielding to his parents’ wishes, Alexis married, but on his wedding day, he secured his wife’s understanding and permission to pursue his spiritual path. Disguising his identity, Alexis journeyed to Syria, choosing to live in extreme poverty near a Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Seventeen years later, a remarkable incident took place. A picture of the Virgin Mary miraculously spoke, revealing to the local people that the beggar living near the church was a profoundly holy man, referring to him as “The man of God.” With his anonymity shattered and fame imminent, Alexis sought refuge from the attention, returning to Rome.

Upon his arrival, Alexis, still unrecognizable, was permitted by his parents, who were always generous to the poor, to live in his own family home. He found modest shelter in a corner under the stairs, a space he occupied for the next seventeen years. Alexis ventured out only for prayer at the church and to share lessons about God with children.

Despite the servants’ frequent harsh treatment of him, Alexis remained silent about his true identity. He withstood these challenges with extraordinary courage and resilience, choosing a life of humility over alleviating his own suffering.

After Alexis’s death, a note discovered on his body unveiled his true identity and explained the life of penance he had led since his wedding day, all for his unwavering love of God. This remarkable revelation further amplified the depth of his devotion and the enormity of his self-sacrifice.

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The history of the Carmelite order dates back to an epochal event on July 16, 1251. On this day, the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed to have revealed herself to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite monk, and bestowed upon him the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, commonly referred to as the “Brown Scapular.” A hundred and twenty-five years later, the Carmelite order inaugurated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the same date.

Mount Carmel, a site of biblical significance, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It is renowned as the location where the prophet Elijah famously vanquished the priests of Baal, thereby converting the populace to the worship of the true God. A myth persists that a religious community was established here even before the Christian era, however, concrete historical evidence is absent. The first documentable record of a monastic community on Mount Carmel dates back to the 12th century.

Regardless of the historical ambiguity, by 1263, the religious community had managed to construct a monastery and church, both dedicated to the Virgin Mary, on Mount Carmel. In 1254, Saint Louis, King of France, made a pilgrimage to Mount Carmel and was so inspired that he brought back six French hermits, for whom he built a convent near Paris. However, Mount Carmel fell to the Saracens in 1291; the monastery was burnt, and the monastic brothers were martyred. Notwithstanding, the Carmelite order spread throughout Europe, primarily due to the endeavors of Saint Simon Stock (1247-1265). The Carmelite Order received official approval at the Council of Lyon in 1274.

The Carmelite order today is perhaps most renowned for two of its members: Saint Theresa of Jesus, also known as Theresa of Avila (1515-1582), who accomplished a reform of the Carmelite Order despite facing numerous obstacles, resulting in the creation of the Discalced Carmelites; and Saint Edith Stein, or Theresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942), a Jewish convert, philosopher, and university professor, who was martyred at Auschwitz. Stein was canonized in 1998 and designated as a co-patroness of Europe in 1999.

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Saint Bonaventure, affectionately known as “the Seraphic Doctor,” was born in Bagnorea, near Viterbo, in 1217. Legend tells us that his name, Bonaventure, emerged from an exclamation by St. Francis of Assisi. When St. Francis was asked to pray for the recovery of the young and ailing John, he did so, foreseeing the boy’s remarkable future and exclaiming, “O Buona ventura!” — “O good fortune!”

At twenty-two, Bonaventure entered the Franciscan Order. After taking his vows, he was sent to Paris to finish his education under the renowned Franciscan scholar, Alexander of Hales, an Englishman. Following Hales’ death, Bonaventure continued his studies under Hales’ successor, John of Rochelle. It was during his time in Paris that he formed a close bond with the esteemed St. Thomas Aquinas. Both Bonaventure and Aquinas were awarded Doctorate degrees; however, in a show of deference and humility, Bonaventure allowed Aquinas to receive the honor first, despite Aquinas’s reluctance. The two shared a mutual friend in the virtuous King, St. Louis.

By the age of thirty-five, Bonaventure had been chosen as the General of his Order. He swiftly restored harmony where discord had once reigned due to internal conflicts. His contributions to his Order were numerous, including the composition of ‘The Life of St. Francis.’ He also took part in the relocation of the relics of St. Anthony of Padua. Pope Clement IV nominated him for the position of Archbishop of York, a title he humbly declined. Nonetheless, Gregory X insisted on bestowing upon him the greater roles of Cardinal and Bishop of Albano, one of the six subsidiary Sees of Rome. Before his death, Bonaventure relinquished his role as the General of the Franciscan Order. He passed away while attending the Second Council of Lyons on July 15, 1274.

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“From the blood of martyrs, saints are born.” It was nine years after the brutal tomahawking of Jesuits Isaac Jogues and John de Brebeuf by Iroquois warriors, that a baby girl came into the world, close to the site of their sacrifice, in Auriesville, New York.

Her mother, a Christian Algonquin, had been taken captive by the Iroquois, later becoming the wife to the chief of the fierce Mohawk clan – the most audacious among the Five Nations. Tragedy struck young Kateri at the age of four when a smallpox epidemic claimed the lives of her parents and little brother, leaving her scarred and nearly blind. Her uncle, who had ascended to the position of chief after her father’s death, took her in.

Although her uncle was no friend to the Blackrobes, the Jesuit missionaries, he was powerless against them due to a peace treaty with the French, which mandated their presence in villages with Christian captives. Despite the fear of her uncle’s wrath, Kateri was stirred by the teachings of the three Blackrobes who stayed in her uncle’s house. She refrained from seeking instruction, though, and also declined to marry a Mohawk warrior. It was at the age of 19 that Kateri mustered the courage to embrace her faith, and was baptized as Kateri, meaning Catherine, on Easter Sunday.

Her baptism marked the beginning of her life as a perceived slave. For refusing to work on Sundays, she was denied food. But her spiritual strength only grew with time. She spoke to a missionary about her profound reverence for the sanctity of baptism, and the incredible love of God for humanity that moved her deeply.

Despite the constant threat due to the ire her conversion and pious life had aroused, Kateri continued on her spiritual path. Following a priest’s advice, she undertook a daring 200-mile journey on foot to the Christian Indian village of Sault St. Louis, near Montreal.

Over the next three years, under the guidance of a priest and an elder Iroquois woman, she flourished in her faith, dedicating long hours to prayer, charity, and demanding penance. At 23, she took a vow of virginity, an extraordinary act for an Indian woman, as their futures often depended on marriage. Even when faced with accusations of meeting a man during her solitary prayer sessions in the woods, her commitment to her vow remained unbroken.

Her aspirations extended to establishing a religious community for women after visiting Montreal, but she was discouraged by a local priest. Accepting this with humility, she decided to lead an “ordinary” life, filled with fervent prayers and harsh fasting, in the hope of the conversion of her people. Kateri passed away the day before Holy Thursday, and those present witnessed a miraculous transformation of her emaciated, scarred face into that of a healthy child, a peaceful smile gracing her lips. She was beatified in 1980.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the humble and brave maiden, was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012.

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Saint Henry, son of Duke Henry of Bavaria and Gisella, daughter of King Conrad of Burgundy, was born in 972. Raised under the tutelage of Saint Wolfgang, the Bishop of Ratisbon, he received an exceptional education. His rise to power commenced in 995, when he succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria. Upon the death of his cousin, Otho III, in 1002, he was elected as Emperor.

Despite his high status, Saint Henry remained grounded, deeply rooted in his faith and committed to serving God’s greater glory. He prioritized the Church’s welfare, striving to uphold ecclesiastical discipline through the support of the Bishops. Known for his victories in domestic and foreign conflicts, he displayed noteworthy moderation and clemency in his triumphs.

In 1014, Saint Henry traveled to Rome where he was crowned Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII. During this event, he reaffirmed the sovereignty of Rome and the exarchate of Ravenna, a donation made to the Pope by his predecessors. Despite his peace-loving nature, he was forced into war several times, most notably against the Saracens and their Greek allies in Southern Italy, whom he decisively defeated.

Saint Henry was as notable for his humility and sense of justice as he was for his religious zeal. After a misunderstanding with Herebert, Bishop of Cologne, Saint Henry personally sought his forgiveness. He considered abdicating his title to join a monastery but was persuaded otherwise by the Abbot of Verdun.

Saint Henry and his wife, Saint Cunegundes, committed themselves to a life of perpetual chastity. This vow was a testament to their dedication to religious service. Saint Henry was also known for his generous contributions to religious foundations and institutions, as well as his construction of the Cathedral of Bamberg.

He passed away at the castle of Grone, near Halberstad, in 1024. His feast day is celebrated on July 13th, and he is revered as the patron saint of the childless, Dukes, the handicapped, and those rejected by Religious Orders.

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