Saint Veronica, also known as Berenice, is a significant figure in Christian tradition. She is celebrated for having compassionately wiped the face of Christ with a veil as he made his painful journey to Calvary. In an extraordinary twist to the story, it’s believed that the image of Christ’s face was miraculously imprinted on the cloth. Despite the lack of historical evidence or biblical reference to support this event, Veronica’s tale remains one of the most treasured stories in Christian history. The veil she used has also become one of the most venerated relics within the Church.

As the legend continues, Veronica carried the relic away from the Holy Land and used its miraculous properties to cure Emperor Tiberius of a mysterious ailment. This revered veil later resurfaced in Rome during the eighth century, before being relocated to St. Peter’s in 1297, by order of Pope Boniface VIII. Beyond these stories, little is known about Veronica herself. However, in the non-canonical Acts of Pilate, she is associated with the woman referred to in the Gospel of Matthew who was healed of a chronic hemorrhage.

Veronica’s name is likely a Latinisation of Berenice, a name of Greek origin, meaning “bearer of victory”. Some have speculated that her name could be a fusion of Latin and Greek words for “true icon” (Latin: vera & Greek: icon). This linguistic amalgamation would symbolically underscore the authenticity of Veronica’s veil, distinguishing it from other similar religious relics, like those preserved in Milan.

Today, Veronica’s veil is still safeguarded in St. Peter’s, serving as a timeless reminder of her act of kindness. This event is solemnly remembered in the Stations of the Cross ritual. While Veronica is not officially recognized in the Roman Martyrology, she is commemorated with a feast day. Symbols associated with her include the veil bearing Christ’s face and the Crown of Thorns.

Editorial credit: Zvonimir Atletic / Shutterstock.com

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Veronica appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

It’s indeed unfortunate that we lack a contemporary biography of Saint Benedict, the individual who has been most influential to Western monasticism. Although St. Gregory briefly depicts Benedict in his later Dialogues, these writings focus more on the miraculous aspects of Benedict’s life rather than providing a comprehensive biography.

Saint Benedict, born into an esteemed family in central Italy, was drawn to the monastic life early on. He studied in Rome but was disheartened by the state of the world – pagan armies on the move, the Church in schism, war causing suffering among the people, and morality sinking to new lows.

Initially, Benedict chose the life of a hermit, but he soon realized that solitude was no more attainable in a small town than in a bustling city. Consequently, he retreated to a mountain cave for three years. Although some monks invited him to lead them for a period, they found his strict regimen disagreeable. Despite this, Benedict started transitioning from a hermit’s lifestyle to a communal one. His vision was to bring together diverse groups of monks into a single ‘Grand Monastery.’ The aim was to foster unity, brotherhood, and continuous worship under one roof.

Ultimately, Benedict commenced the construction of what would eventually become one of the world’s most renowned monasteries—Monte Cassino, situated in a commanding position overlooking three valleys that stretched towards the mountains north of Naples.

Benedict’s Rule, which evolved over time, advocated a balanced life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labor, and communal living under a shared father (abbot). Benedictine asceticism is praised for its temperance, and the Benedictines are known for their commitment to the welfare of the local communities. Over the course of the Middle Ages, all Western monasticism was gradually brought under Saint Benedict’s Rule.

In the present day, the Benedictine family is represented by two main branches: the Benedictine Federation and the Cistercians.

Editorial credit: Nancy Bauer / Shutterstock.com

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Benedict appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

Saint Veronica Giuliani, born in Mercatelli, was a woman deeply dedicated to her faith and whose desire to emulate Christ was so strong that it was answered with the stigmata. As her mother, Benedetta, lay on her deathbed, she entrusted each of her five daughters to one of the five wounds of Jesus. Veronica was given the sacred task of looking after the wound below Christ’s heart.

At a young age of 17, Veronica renounced worldly life and joined the Poor Clares, a monastic order under the guidance of the Capuchins. Her father initially hoped for her to get married, but she persuaded him to let her follow her spiritual calling instead. During her early years at the monastery, Veronica served humbly, fulfilling roles in the kitchen, infirmary, sacristy, and also as a portress. At 34, she was appointed the novice mistress, a role she dedicated herself to for the next 22 years.

When Veronica turned 37, she experienced a life-changing event – she received the stigmata, and her life took a significant turn thereafter. The Church authorities in Rome, seeking to verify Veronica’s authenticity, launched an investigation. This led to her temporary removal from her role as novice mistress and restricted her participation in Mass to only Sundays and holy days. Despite these challenges, Veronica bore no bitterness and continued to devote herself to her spiritual duties. Eventually, the investigation concluded in her favor, and she was reinstated as novice mistress.

Even though she initially resisted, Veronica was elected as the abbess at the age of 56, a position she dutifully served for 11 years until her death. Her devotion was particularly strong towards the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart, and she often offered her sufferings for the betterment of the missions. Veronica was canonized in 1839.

Photo credit: Randy Greve via Flickr

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Veronica Giuliani appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

The spread of Christianity into China began in the 600s, coming from Syria. Over the centuries, the circumstances of its growth were deeply influenced by China’s fluctuating relations with the outside world. At times, the religion experienced freedom and expansion, while in other periods, it was forced to operate in secrecy due to restrictions and persecution.

This narrative revolves around 120 Christian martyrs who lost their lives for their faith between 1648 and 1930. The majority of these martyrs, 87 to be exact, were native to China. They came from various walks of life – some were children, others were parents, catechists, or laborers. Their ages ranged from as young as nine to as old as 72. Within this group, four Chinese diocesan priests were included.

The remaining 33 martyrs were foreigners, predominantly priests and women of religious orders. They represented various Christian denominations and missionary groups including the Order of Preachers, the Paris Foreign Mission Society, the Friars Minor, Jesuits, Salesians, and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.

One notable martyr was Augustine Zhao Rong, a Chinese soldier who witnessed the martyrdom of Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse from the Paris Foreign Mission Society, in Beijing. This event led to Augustine’s baptism and subsequent ordination as a diocesan priest. He met his own martyrdom in 1815.

These 120 martyrs were beatified in separate groups at different times, but were collectively canonized in Rome on October 1, 2000, marking their official recognition as saints within the Catholic Church.

Photo credit: Fayhoo via Wikimedia Commons

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

Paul arrived in Corinth around the year 50, where he encountered Priscilla (or Prisca) and her husband Aquila. Like Paul, they were tentmakers and Jewish, newly arrived from Rome after Emperor Claudius expelled the Jewish community from the city. Roman historian Suetonius attributes this expulsion to the disturbances caused by someone named “Chrestus,” likely a reference to conflicts between Christian and non-Christian Jews.

The religious beliefs of Priscilla and Aquila before meeting Paul remain uncertain. We don’t know whether they were already Christians or if they converted to Christianity after hearing Paul’s preaching. Regardless, they accompanied Paul to Ephesus after 18 months in Corinth. Priscilla and Aquila stayed in Ephesus while Paul journeyed on to Antioch.

During their time in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila befriended a man named Apollos, an eloquent preacher who had accepted some aspects of the Christian message. Apollos was a knowledgeable interpreter of the Hebrew Scriptures. Priscilla and Aquila expanded his understanding of the Gospel, enhancing his preaching capabilities.

There is evidence to suggest that Priscilla and Aquila were in Rome when Paul wrote to the congregation there, and later they were in Ephesus with Timothy when Paul wrote his final letter to him. In fact, Paul often included their greetings in his letters from Ephesus to the Corinthians, demonstrating their close relationship and shared commitment to spreading the Christian faith.

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned six times in the New Testament (Acts 18:2,18,26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). Interestingly, the order of their names alternates in these mentions – Aquila comes first in odd-numbered references, and Priscilla in even-numbered ones. This could underscore that they are equal partners in their religious endeavors.

Photo credit: Fæ via Wikimedia Commons

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saints Aquila and Priscilla appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

Pope Saint Benedict XI, originally known as Nicholas Boccasini, was born in Treviso, Italy, in 1240 and passed away on 7 July, 1304, in Perugia. He joined the Dominican Order when he was only 14 years old. After dedicating 14 years to his studies, he ascended to the position of lector of theology, a role he held for several years.

In 1296, amid growing hostility towards Pope Boniface VIII, Boccasini was elected as the Master General of the Order. As the leader, he issued a directive that none of his subjects should support the Pope’s opponents in any manner. He further instructed them to affirm the legitimacy of Boniface’s election in their sermons, if it was fitting to do so. Boccasini’s unwavering loyalty was appreciated by Boniface, who expressed his gratitude through various signs of favour and confidence.

Boccasini was entrusted with a critical mission to negotiate an armistice between the warring nations of England, led by Edward I, and France, led by Philip IV. He executed this mission alongside two cardinal-legates appointed by Boniface.

In 1298, Boccasini was elevated to the position of a cardinal. Later, he was designated as the Bishop of Ostia and the Dean of the Sacred College. His role extended further when Hungary was plunged into civil war. The Holy See assigned him as their representative to broker peace in the nation. Upon his return to Rome, Boccasini found himself in the midst of the intense conflict between Boniface VIII and Philip the Fair. Even when Pope Boniface VIII was overpowered by his enemies in the sacred palace, Boccasini stood by the Pope’s side, along with the Cardinal-Bishop of Sabina, to defend him against the aggression of William of Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna.

Boccasini’s loyalty was rewarded when, a month after the violence against Boniface, he was unanimously elected Pope on October 22, 1303. He took the name Benedict XI. The major accomplishment of his pontificate was the reconciliation with the French court. However, his reign was abruptly ended after just eight months when he suddenly died in Perugia. There were suspicions, not entirely unfounded, that his untimely death was a result of poisoning by William of Nogaret.

Benedict XI was beatified in 1773, and his feast is celebrated on July 7th in Rome and throughout the Dominican Order. He left behind a wealth of written works, including a collection of sermons and commentaries on parts of the Gospel of St. Matthew, the Psalms, the Book of Job, and the Apocalypse.

Photo credit: Sailko via Wikimedia Commons

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Pope Saint Benedict XI appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

The canonization of Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902), which drew an immense crowd of 250,000 attendees, stands as a testament to the profound influence of her poignant life story that touched millions across the globe.

Maria was the daughter of a financially-strained Italian tenant farmer. Despite never having the chance to attend school or learn to read or write, her spiritual depth was remarkable. By the time she partook in her First Communion, she was comparatively older and less academically advanced than her peers, yet her commitment to her faith remained unwavering.

One sweltering afternoon in July, an event unfolded that would seal Maria’s fate and set the stage for her future sainthood. The barely twelve-year-old Maria, physically mature for her age, was repairing a shirt atop the stairs of her family home. Suddenly, a cart pulled up, and Alessandro, an 18-year-old neighbor, charged up the stairs, assaulting Maria and dragging her into a nearby bedroom. Throughout the traumatic ordeal, Maria vehemently resisted and called for divine intervention, warning Alessandro of the mortal sin he was about to commit.

After the violent confrontation, Maria was transported to a hospital where she spent her final hours. Even amidst her personal suffering, her empathetic and compassionate nature shone through. She expressed concerns for her mother’s comfort, offered forgiveness to her attacker (whom she had feared yet never spoken out against to avoid burdening his family), and enthusiastically embraced her last Holy Communion. Roughly 24 hours post the traumatic incident, Maria succumbed to her injuries.

Alessandro, Maria’s assailant, was condemned to a 30-year prison sentence. For a considerable period, he remained defiant and moody, showing no remorse for his actions. However, one night, a transformative dream featuring Maria offering him flowers initiated a profound shift in his disposition. Upon release from prison after serving 27 years, a reformed Alessandro sought Maria’s mother to plead for her forgiveness, marking the beginning of his penitence journey.

Maria’s martyrdom inspired devotion and reverence, prompting reports of miracles associated with her. In less than fifty years after her demise, she was canonized. Notably, her mother, then aged 82, along with two of Maria’s sisters and a brother, graced the beatification ceremony in 1947, standing alongside Pope Pius XII on the balcony of St. Peter’s. Three years later, at her canonization, an emotional 66-year-old Alessandro Serenelli was spotted amidst the crowd of a quarter-million, shedding tears of joy and redemption.

Photo credit: Zvonimir Atletic / Shutterstock.com

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Maria Goretti appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

During the same era as Martin Luther’s groundbreaking protests, attempts to reform the Church from within were already underway. A prominent figure in this Counter-Reformation was Saint Anthony Zaccaria.

Saint Anthony’s spiritual journey started early, guided by his mother, who was widowed at 18. Despite the challenges, she dedicated herself to his spiritual upbringing. Anthony went on to earn a medical doctorate at the young age of 22. While serving the underprivileged in his hometown, Cremona, Italy, he felt drawn towards a life of religious service.

Choosing to renounce his claim to any inheritance, Anthony became a catechist and, by 26, was ordained a priest. A few years later, he was called to Milan, where he established the foundations of three religious congregations: one for men, one for women, and an association for married couples. These groups sought to invigorate a society that they perceived as decadent, beginning with its clergy, religious institutions, and laypeople.

Greatly inspired by Saint Paul, Anthony even named his congregation the Barnabites, after Saint Paul’s companion. He was a passionate preacher, both in church and in public spaces, and was a driving force behind popular missions. Never one to shy away from public penance, Anthony held firm in his convictions.

Innovations he promoted included encouraging laypeople to collaborate in apostolic works, endorsing frequent Communion, advocating the Forty Hours devotion, and supporting the practice of ringing church bells at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Anthony’s devoutness prompted many to rethink and reform their lives. However, just like all influential figures, his actions also spurred opposition. His community was investigated twice for religious misconduct, but on both occasions, it was absolved.

While on a peace mission, Anthony fell seriously ill and returned to his mother’s home. His life was cut short at the age of 36 in Cremona, leaving behind a profound legacy of counter-reformation.

Photo credit: Barnabitefather via Wikimedia Commons 

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Anthony Zaccaria appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in Turin, Italy in 1901, is hailed as a saint for the contemporary world, particularly for today’s youth. Despite a tragically brief lifespan of 24 years, his fervent dedication to holy living left an enduring impact. He became an embodiment of virtue, aptly referred to as a “man of the beatitudes” by Pope John Paul II during his beatification in Rome on May 20, 1990. Friends fondly remembered him as an “explosion of joy,” while his sister, Luciana, characterized him as the epitome of Christian youth—pure, exuberant, and devoted to all that embodies beauty and goodness.

Frassati’s life offers a stark, inspiring contrast to a modern world often plagued by cynicism and unease. His existence, brimming with purpose, meaning, and peace, sprang from his unwavering faith in God. From an early age, Frassati prioritized Christ, a choice which provoked misunderstanding and disapproval from his nonreligious parents. Yet, he bore this familial friction patiently, silently, and lovingly, even until his abrupt demise from polio.

His devotion was evident in his daily routine. Frassati was a man of prayer, often found by his agnostic father, asleep on his knees by his bedside, after a heartfelt recitation of the rosary. As Luciana Frassati notes, “He gave his whole self, both in prayer and in action, in service to Christ.” His education at a Jesuit school further cemented his commitment, leading to the rare privilege of daily communion. Nights often passed in Eucharistic adoration. For Frassati, every action started and ended with Christ.

In 1922, at the age of 21, this balance of contemplation and action drew Frassati to the Fraternities of St. Dominic. As a tertiary, he adopted the name “Girolamo” (Jerome), after his idol, Girolamo Savonarola, a renowned Dominican preacher and reformer of the Renaissance period in Florence.

Frassati was a charismatic figure, attracting many with his vibrant personality and good looks. He was also an enthusiast of various sports, enjoying hiking, horse riding, skiing, and mountain climbing. Known for his love for humor, he was never shy of a practical joke.

Frassati’s faith was not confined to theory, but was an integral part of his daily life. He embraced spirited political activism during the Fascist period in World War I Italy, juggled his challenging academic responsibilities despite being a poor student, and silently served the destitute in Turin. His affluent background never affected his modest demeanor, and he was always willing to help those in need, often suspected of contracting polio from those he aided in the slums.

As he lay on his deathbed, his final week marked by rapid physical deterioration, Frassati continued to display remarkable virtue. His concern remained with others’ welfare, his focus outward, never highlighting his own suffering. Even as he lay dying, his last note, written with a paralyzed hand, was a reminder to a friend about the injections needed for a needy man he had been helping.

Frassati’s death on July 4, 1925, brought thousands of people to the Frassati mansion. The throngs of poor and lonely individuals who had been touched by his compassionate actions and inspiring life stood testament to his selfless service. The Frassati family, unaware of their son’s benevolence, were taken aback by the overwhelming public display of affection.

In 1981, Frassati’s body, found incorrupt, was moved from the family tomb in the cemetery of Pollone to the Cathedral of Turin.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith

Saint Thomas, one of the revered Twelve Apostles, was known for his fervent yet impulsive dedication to Jesus Christ. When Jesus announced his intent to return to Judea to visit his ailing friend Lazarus, Thomas boldly encouraged his fellow Apostles to accompany Jesus, fully aware that the journey carried an imminent threat of danger, and even death, due to the escalating hostility from the authorities.

At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed to His Apostles his plan to prepare a place for them, assuring they knew the way. In his confusion, Thomas earnestly implored for clarity. This led to the sublime proclamation from Jesus that He himself was the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

However, Saint Thomas is perhaps most famously recognized for his role in confirming the Resurrection of Jesus. When told of Jesus’ reappearance on the first Easter Sunday, Thomas found himself enveloped by doubt, hence acquiring the moniker of “doubting Thomas.” Yet, eight days later, during Jesus’ second apparition, Thomas’ skepticism was gently admonished. He was provided with the evidence he sought, as he was allowed to see and touch the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and place his hand into His side. Overwhelmed with conviction, Saint Thomas openly professed his faith in the Divinity of Jesus, exclaiming, “My Lord and My God.”

In the New Testament, Saint Thomas is also mentioned as witnessing another miraculous event post-Resurrection— a significant haul of fish at Lake Tiberias.

Beyond these biblical accounts, tradition narrates that following the dispersion of the Apostles after Pentecost, Saint Thomas embarked on a mission to evangelize the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and ultimately arrived in India. He propagated the Christian faith along the Malabar coast, which to this day, boasts a sizable community identifying themselves as the “Christians of Saint Thomas.” His life culminated in martyrdom, as he was speared to death in a place named Calamine. Today, his feast day is celebrated on July 3rd, and he is recognized as the patron saint of architects.

Editorial credit: Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock.com

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning – FREE!







The post Saint Thomas the Apostle appeared first on uCatholic.

Daily Reading

 

Daily Meditation

 

More...

The Word Among Us

Regnum Christi

One Bread, One Body

Evangeli

Living Faith