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Saintly Priests Awaiting Sponsors -- Page 5
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli (c 2 March 283 - 1 August 371) Consider sponsoring Saint Eusebius of Vercelli in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Sardina, Italy, Eusebius was taken to Rome by his mother after his father suffered martyrdom. He made his way to Vercelli in northern Italy where he was elected bishop. There he founded a priestly community that was run like a monastery. The community living of Eusebius with other clergy inspired several who became saints as well. Eusebius believed Church teaching that Christ was fully human and fully divine. However, Arianism, a heresy at the time, stated that this was not so. At a synod called by the Pope to settle this question, Eusebius upheld the teachings of Saint Athanasius who expounded the truth of Christ's human and divine nature. For his support of Athanasius, Eusebius was exiled, persecuted, and dragged through the streets. Only when a new emperor assumed power could Eusebius return to Vercelli. For the remainder of his life, he continued to promulgate the truth faith against Arianism. His efforts were not always successful, and for them he suffered persecution.
Saint Lucifer of Cagliari (born early 4th century - 20 May 370) Consider sponsoring Saint Lucifer of Cagliari in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Nothing is known of Lucifer's childhood. The first historical mention of him is his being sent as an envoy from the pope to the emperor, requesting that a Church council be convened against the Arian heresy. This heresy stated that Jesus was not fully divine. Here Lucifer defended Saint Athanasius, the principal proponent of the full divinity and full humanity of Christ. For this, the emperor, a supporter of Arianism, first imprisoned Lucifer and then exiled him. When he was finally allowed to return from exile, he continued his support of the Athanasius and also stood firmly in support of the Nicene Creed. While he wrote many fiery pamphlets, stating that he was willing to die for the faith, he was not martyred but died while reinstated as bishop of Cagliari, Italy. Whether or not he was the Lucifer who initially opposed welcoming into their offices former Arian bishops who had repented, he apparently died reconciled to forgiving them and welcoming them back.
Saint Piran (Pyran, Peran) (born fifth century. Died around 480). Consider sponsoring Saint Piran in Chapel of 1000 Priests.
Legends have grown up around Saint Piran. Born in Ireland, Piran certainly existed. He was a holy, prayerful man and had miracles associated with him. His father seems to have been himself a holy, prayerful man who taught Piran to love God and the Blessed Mother. One legend states that Piran befriended the king of Munster and, in his service, rose to become both priest and counselor. This happy situation changed when the king began to abuse his wife because he became involved with a mistress. When Piran strongly opposed this, the king had Piran tied to a millstone and thrown into the sea. Miraculously, the millstone floated, with Piran atop it, to Cornwall where Piran, awestruck by the miracle, built a chapel, lived as a hermit, and preached to the people. Eventually others joined him and monastery developed. During this time, he learned to smelt tin and became the patron saint of tin makers. Piran's cross is a white cross on a black field, representing smelted tin (white) rising above ashes..
Saint Colmán of Lindisfarne (c 605 - 18 February 675) Consider sponsoring Saint Colmán of Lindisfarne in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Probably nobly born, Colmán was educated on Iona, an island off the Scottish coast. In 661, he was appointed as bishop of Lindisfarne along the northeast English coast. In 664, when the king decided to calculate Easter according to the Roman method and not that used by the monks of Iona, Colmán resigned as bishop, taking with him half of the relics that had been at Lindisfarne. He traveled through Scotland and founded several churches there, then sailed for Ireland where he settled on a small island. Here he founded a monastery, the School of Mayo, gracing it with the relics he had taken. In the monastery on this island, the Irish and English monks had difficulty getting along because in summer, the Irish monks left, leaving the English monks to harvest the crops. As winter approached, they returned, wanting to share in what the English had stored. Historians believe that the Irish may have taken the monastery livestock to more northern pastures and then returned. Whatever the reason, Colmán brought the Saxon monks to the mainland to establish their own monastery. Colmán himself died on the island.
Saint Blaise (3 February c 290 - 316) Consider sponsoring Saint Blaise in Chapel of 1000 Priests
On February 3, in honor of Saint Blaise, the blessing of the people's throats takes place at Mass. One of the most popular saints in the Middle Ages, Blaise is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. These are saints commonly invoked for aid. Born in Sebastea, Armenia, Blaise may have been educated as a doctor. Due to his great holiness, compassion, and faith, he was ordained a bishop. Both his words and his actions pointed to Christ. Blaise was known for his ability to heal bodily and spiritual wounds and to counsel. Not only did people come to him, but they also brought their animals which he also healed. Blaise bolstered his compassionate ministry with prayer. In 316, the governor of Sebastea began a persecution of Christians. Blaise was arrested, interrogated, scourged, and imprisoned. When he would not recant his faith, he was led to be beheaded. On the way, a weeping woman lay before him her son who was choking from swallowing a fish bone. Making the sign of the cross over the child, Blaise healed him.
Venerable Félix de Jesús Rougier (17 December 1859 - 10 January 1938) Consider sponsoring Venerable Félix de Jesús Rougier in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Meilhaud, France, Felix's initial plans to become a doctor changed when the bishop spoke to over 300 students (Felix among them) about missionary work. Felix entered the Society of Mary, but he developed arthritis in his right arm that was acute enough to prevent ordination. Saint John Bosco prayed for him, telling him, "God will make you win many souls." Felix was cured sufficiently to receive Holy Orders in 1887. His superiors sent him to Colombia where he developed an extensive educational ministry and collected food for the hungry. During the 1000 Days Way, Felix risked his life to hear confessions and minister to wounded and dying soldiers. In 1902, in Mexico, he met the Catholic mystic Blessed Conchita who spoke to him about the Works of the Cross which she had founded. She told Felix that God wished him to found the Fifth work of the Cross, the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit. Felix was forbidden to found the congregation for ten years, but he waited patiently for God’s timing. In 1914, the Vatican granted permission. Felix founded three additional institutes of religious life. His faith and his love of mission to the poor led Felix to strong support of the laity, to use of the media, and to the establishment of schools and hospitals.
Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz (30 March 1743 - 24 March 1801) Consider sponsoring Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Blessed Didacus Joseph was born José Francisco López-Caamaño y García Pérez in Cadiz, Spain. After his mother's death when the boy was nine years old, his father moved the family to Grazalema where the boy attended a school run by the Dominicans. Study was next to impossible for the child, and he was nicknamed "the dunce of Cadiz." Rejected by one Franciscan order, the Capuchin friars accepted the 15-year-old aspirant who was given the name Didacus Joseph. Living an extremely ascetic life, he prepared for the priesthood and was ordained in 1766. After training to be a preacher, he was sent to preach parish missions to rural, isolated villages. Didacus promoted traditional prayers and practices while being a strong critic of consumerism. In 1779, the University of Granada conferred on him the honorary degree of Master of Arts and honorary doctorates in theology and canon law. By the time of his death from yellow fever, Didacus's written sermons numbered 3000.
Saint Hippolytus (c 170 - c 235) Consider sponsoring Saint Hippolytus in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Saint Hippolytus is one of those saints who was on the "wrong" side of a theological debate with another saint, but who eventually came to correct understanding and even died for it. We know little about Hippolytus's background, but we do know that he was a powerful, convincing preacher, known for his learning and eloquence and one of the most important early Christian theologians. When the Pope absolved repentant Christians who had committed grave sins such as adultery and murder, Hippolytus disagreed and even allowed himself to be elected as a rival pope. However, at some point, he was reconciled to the precept of mercy for the repentant and so became reconciled with the Pope. When the emperor began a persecution of Christians, Hippolytus and the then current Pope were exiled and forced to work as slaves in the mines of Sardinia where they both died. The succeeding Pope brought both of the martyr's bodies back to Rome for burial.
Saint Martin of Tours (born 316 or 336 - died 8 November 397) Consider sponsoring Saint Martin of Tours in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in what is now Hungary to a senior officer in the Roman military, Martin moved to Italy upon his father's retirement. However, as the son of a veteran officer, Martin was required to join the calvary once he reached fifteen years of age. By that time, he was attending the Christian church and, against his pagan parents' wishes, was a catechumen. While stationed in Gaul (France), Martin gave half his cloak to a shivering beggar and, that night, dreamed of Jesus clad in the half cloak and saying, "Martin, who is still a catechumen, clothed me with his robe." The vision caused eighteen year old Martin to ask for baptism. Sometime between 355 and 360, Martin resigned from the military to give his life totally to the service of Christ. His beginnings as a hermit with Saint Hiliary of Tours led, eventually, to his consecration as Bishop of Tours, France. As bishop, Martin preached, traveled, combatted heresy, performed miracles, and ministered to the poor and demonic possessed. He destroyed pagan worship, visited all his parishes yearly and built several Christian monasteries .
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (11 January 1819 - 4 October 1867) Consider sponsoring Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in the Kingdom of Bavaria (now Germany), Francis, since childhood, wanted to become a priest. Wishing to help German immigrants in the United States, Francis joined the Redemptorist Order in 1842, and the next year sailed for the USA. The following year, in Baltimore, Maryland, Francis was ordained a priest. While serving in various capacities in the Redemptorist Order, including Superior and Novice Master, Francis ministered to the people by hearing confessions, being a spiritual director, and preaching in simple terms that were rich with Biblical themes. A happy, kind pastor, Francis was conscious of providing good doctrinal instruction to his parishes. Ever joyful, generous, and humble, Francis regarded the teaching of small children to be a primary task. When given the duty of a traveling missionary, Francis preached the faith, both in English and German, across a ten-state area. In 1866, he was assigned as pastor to a church in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was soon caught in a yellow fever epidemic. In caring for victims, Francis himself caught and died from the disease.
Blessed Pope Pius IX (13 May 1792 - 7 February 1878). Consider sponsoring Blessed Pope Pius IX in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Blessed Pope Pius IX served as Pope for almost 32 years, the longest term of any Pope. The ninth child in his noble family, the future Pope Pius IX was born in Senigallia, Italy and named Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti. Because he suffered from epilepsy, he encountered difficulties regarding ordination as a priest, but the seizures became less frequent. After serving the Church in several roles, the Pope appointed him archbishop of Spoleto in 1827. The following year, he was made a cardinal and then, in 1846, was elected Pope. He chose the name Pius IX in honor of Pope Pius VII who had encouraged his vocation to the priesthood despite his epilepsy. Pope Pius IX. He was pious, friendly, intelligent, involved in international affairs, and a model of simplicity and poverty. He convened the First Vatican Council which defined the dogma of papal infallibility. A strong advocate of protection for Catholic beliefs he fought against anti-Catholic philosophies and actions. He named 122 new cardinals, canonized 52 saints, and named 3 saints as doctors of the Church (Alphonsus Liguori, Francis de Sales, and Hiliary of Poitiers). He issued 32 encyclicals and defined the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Saint Francis de Sales (21 August 1567 - 28 December 1622) Consider sponsoring Saint Francis de Sales in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Called "the gentleman saint, " Saint Francis de Sales was born two months prematurely to a French family of high nobility. Francis's father educated Francis, his oldest son, to become a magistrate, but as Francis matured, he experienced a strong desire to give his life to God through the priesthood. Overcoming his father's objections, Francis was ordained in 1593. An effective preacher with a deep, rich voice and measured tone, Francis was sought for both missions and confessions. In 1502, he became Bishop of Geneva, Switzerland, but he lived in Annecy, France, since Geneva was under Calvinist control. He brought to his diocese efficient organization, reform to the monasteries and convents, and instruction to the laity. Francis's gentle manner and deep faith inspired his clergy with zeal and charity. "He who preaches with love, preaches effectively," he said, a motto which he lived. He wrote books of spiritual instruction, assisted Saint Jane Frances de Chantal in the foundation of the Visitation nuns, and was a sought-after spiritual director.
Saint Eustasius of Aosta (c 388 - c 454) Consider sponsoring Saint Eustasius in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Saint Eustasius was the first bishop of what today is Aosta, a region in the Italian Alps. History had retained little about him. His name is attached to a letter to the Pope written by delegates to the second Council of Milan. Perhaps because of advanced age, he couldn't attend this council so sent a delegate in his place. His memory is overshadowed by Saint Gratus, the second bishop.
Saint Gratus of Aosta (birth date unknown. Died 7 September, possibly in the year 470). Consider sponsoring Saint Gratus in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Gratus is the patron saint of Aosta. Both he and Eusebius, the first bishop, seem to have been born in Greece. Both seemed to have been educated in a monastery in Italy, established by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli. Representing Bishop Eusebius of Aosta, Gratus signed the acts of the Synod of Milan which condemned a heresy of that time. Shortly after, Bishop Eusebius died, and Gratus was chosen to replace him. Gratus brought many relics of the saints and martyrs to Aosta. His own relics are preserved in one of the churches of Aosta.
Saint Jucundus (Giocondo) of Aosta (4th century - 507?) Consider sponsoring Saint Jucundus in Chapel of 1000 Priests
We know little about Saint Jucundus other than that he was the third bishop of Aosta, Italy, following the death of Bishop Gratus. Jucundus participated in the Councils of Rome in 501 and 502. That means that he was involved in important church decisions. Presumably he was a prayerful man with a charitable heart as he is remembered reverently and fondly in Aosta.
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577 - 24 April 1622) Consider sponsoring Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born Mark Roy in the German town of Sigmaringen, the future saint Fidelis taught law and philosophy and acquired a doctorate. As a student, he was known for his modesty, faith, chastity, and temperance. In 1604, he traveled with three students as their mentor, attending Mass in the towns they came to, visiting hospitals and churches, and spending many hours before the Blessed Sacrament. Generous to the poor, he sometimes gave them the clothes he wore. When he returned from this employment, he served as a lawyer, advocating for the poor and refusing to speak ill of his opponents. Eventually the evils of his profession disenchanted him, and he joined the Capuchin Franciscan friars where he was named Fidelis and, after seminary studies, was ordained a priest in 1612. Immediately he was hearing confessions and preaching. For a time, he was guardian of a friary. During an epidemic, Fidelis cared for many sick soldiers. He converted many people including those following Calvinist doctrines. The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith sent him to Switzerland to preach especially to the Calvinists who eventually martyred him. As he was dying, he prayed feebly, "Pardon my enemies, O Lord: blinded by passion they know not what they do. Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. Mary, Mother of God, succor me!"
Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c 335 - c 394) Consider sponsoring Saint Gregory of Nyssa in Chapel of 1000 Priests
A member of a large family, many of whom are recognized as saints, Gregory was born in Cappadocia (now in Turkey). His Christian, aristocratic family had suffered persecution for their faith. Quiet and meek, Gregory was educated at home and then possibly in Cappadocia. Initially, he was a rhetorician and a husband. Gregory was elected to become the first bishop of Nyssa, but his time as bishop was controversial, disjointed, and disrupted. Eventually he was able to return home and write books. Gregory participated in several church councils and was instrumental in defining the Trinitarian doctrine of the one, infinite God. He was the first in the ancient world to denounce slavery. His reasoning was, "God has set us free from slavery to sin, so who are we to enslave someone else?" He wrote numerous books with Scripture commentaries.
Blessed Conrad of Offida (c 1241 - 12 December 1306) Consider sponsoring Blessed Conrad of Offida in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in the March of Ancona, Italy, Conrad was attracted to religious life as a youth. At the age of 14, he entered the Order of Friars Minor and made excellent advancement in his studies. When an inner voice called him to greater humility, he requested permission to leave his studies and serve as humble cook and questor. After serving in these ways for many years, his superiors had him ordained and sent him to preach. Modeling his life after Saint Francis, Conrad was a powerful preacher with his conviction of faith and poverty evident in his sermons. Many converted at his words and example. Adhering to strict poverty, Conrad wore the same religious habit and went barefoot all year round. Spending fruitful time in prayer and meditation, Conrad received from Brother Leo, one of Saint Francis's closest followers, all of Leo's writings. Legend states that Conrad was so pure and kind that the Blessed Mother appeared to him and allowed him to hold the Christ Child. Conrad patiently endured some misunderstandings which were in his past when he died while preaching a mission.
Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro (13 January 1891 - 23 November 1927) Consider sponsoring Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born to a mining family in Guadalupe, Mexico, Miguel entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1911. Known for his charity, wit, piety, and captivating preaching, Miguel studied in Mexico until the Mexican Revolution forced the Jesuits to flee. Ordained in Belgium in 1925, Miguel returned to Mexico in 1926. Since anti-clerical laws were strictly enforced, Miguel was forced to celebrate Mass secretly and to small groups. His disguises to avoid detection eventually failed, and he was twice arrested, the second time in 1927 when he was falsely accused of being part of a plot to assassinate the president. The president ordered that Miguel's execution (no trial was held) be photographed in hopes that it would quell the rebellion. The photos record that Miguel blessed the soldiers, knelt, and prayed. Holding a crucifix and rosary, and unblindfolded, he faced his executioners and held his arms out in imitation of the crucified Christ. "May God have mercy on you! May God bless you! Lord, You know that I am innocent! With all my heart I forgive my enemies! Long live Christ the King!" were his last words. The photo shown was taken before his execution.
Saint David (Dewi) of Wales (c 500 - 1 March 589) Consider sponsoring Saint David in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Wales, David gained renown as a teacher, monk, and preacher. In Wales and surrounding areas, he founded churches and monasteries. Around 550, David attended a church synod and spoke so convincingly against the heresy Pelagianism that the monks elected him archbishop of that region. Later, while he was preaching outdoors, the earth rose beneath him, forming a small hill, and a white dove settled on his shoulder. This was interpreted as a sign of God's favor. David initiated an austere, prayerful form of life for the monks. The leek, which was the symbol of Wales, also became his symbol. David's dying words were, "Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed, and do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. And as for me, I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us."
Saint Bernardo Tolomei (10 May 1272 - 20 August 1348) Consider sponsoring Saint Bernardo Tolomei in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born at Siena in Tuscany, Giovanni Tolomei was inspired to enter the Dominican priesthood by his uncle who educated him. Forbidden by his father, Giovanni continued his studies and became a professor of law, a knight, and then a high official in civil government. When he was struck blind, Giovanni prayed to the Blessed Mother for healing. Upon healing, he vowed to enter religious life in gratitude. In 1313, he and several other men began a religious life of prayer, penance, and silence on one of his family's properties. Giovanni took the name Bernardo. About five years later, inspired by a dream, he founded the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto which, approved by their bishop, took the Rule of Saint Benedict and encouraged special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Within a few years, several monasteries arose for the Olivetan Order, and several Popes granted special favors. During the plague of 1348, the monks left their monasteries and cared for plague victims. Eighty-three monks died, among them Bernardo.
Saint Albert of Jerusalem (1149 - 14 September 1214) Consider sponsoring Saint Albert of Jerusalem in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Italy, Albert was educated in theology and law. He entered the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross and then became bishop of Bobbio and then of Vercelli. In his office as papal legate, he brought peace between two warring Italian cities. In 1205, the Pope appointed him Patriarch of Jerusalem. Around 1209, a group of hermits living on Mount Carmel, which was across the Bay from the bishop's residence in Acre, asked Albert to guide them in shaping a way of life for the community. Albert wrote a Rule of Life for them, blending the contemplative and active dimensions of religious life and emphasizing prayer, community, and labor. This Rule became the foundation of the Carmelite Order. Albert was a peace maker. He brought peace between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Cyprus and between the Knights Templar and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia as well as in other disputes. In 1214, he deposed the Master of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit because of the cleric's immorality. In retribution, the unrepentant sinner stabbed Albert to death in a procession on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Saint Gaudentius of Brescia (born? Died c 410). Consider sponsoring Saint Gaudentius of Brescia in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Having studied under Bishop Philastrius of Brescia, Gaudentius was on a pilgrimage to Rome when Philastrius died. The people of Brecia had heard Gaudentius preach. They admired the depth of his prayer life and his knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. They demanded that Gaudentius be ordained the new bishop. Other bishops in that area agreed. When Gaudentius returned from his pilgrimage, Bishop Ambrose consecrated a protesting Gaudentius as the new bishop. During his tenure, Gaudentius wrote many letters, sermons, and tracts. As a friend of Saint John Chrysostom, Gaudentius attempted to travel to defend his friend when Chrysostom was falsely accused. Chrysostom's enemies, by various means, attempted to stop the testimony, and Gaudentius never arrived to present it. Nevertheless, Chrysostom thanked him for trying.
Saint Timothy of Ephesus (c 30 AD - c 97 AD) Consider sponsoring Saint Timothy of Ephesus in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in what is today Turkey, Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Through the preaching of Saint Paul the Apostle, Timothy, as well as his mother and grandmother, were converted to Christianity. Knowing Scripture since childhood, shy, timid Timothy embraced the Christian faith with fervor. When Paul made a second missionary journey to Timothy's home area, Timothy became Paul's disciple and companion as Paul continued his missionary travels. Thus, he shared in Paul's poverty and sufferings for the faith. Paul treated Timothy like a son, advising him on his health and sending him various places to preach the Gospel. The Book of Acts in the Bible mentions Timothy several times, usually in connection with Saint Paul. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome and facing martyrdom, he called for Timothy. With him, Paul shared advice and fatherly love. By that time, Timothy had been bishop of Ephesus for four years. Legend states that Timothy himself was martyred about twenty years later when, by preaching, he tried to stop a procession in honor of the goddess Diana.