St. Nicholas - Saint of the Day - December 6th

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Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha - Saint of the Day

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St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More
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Late Have I Loved You

Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.

from The Confessions of Saint Augustine

St. Barbara - December 4th

Today is the feast day of St. Barbara. She was one of the early Christian martyrs. One story is that she died at Nicomedia in Asia under the persecution of Maximinus in 306. Another story is that her father, who had kept her prisoner in a tower, dragged her before the judge and accused her of being a Christian. She was given a chance to recant but refused. Beaten and tortured, she was comforted by visions of the Lord. At her execution, her father was killed with a flash of lightning.

Her veneration was brought from the Middle East by the Crusaders. She is the patron of all those who are imprisoned, of towers and fortresses, and of those whose work is connected with flashes of light, such as artillery soldiers, bellmakers, cooks, and beacon light crews. She is also the patron of architects because she was commonly pictured holding a tower building in her hand.

Her greatest and most important patronage is that against sudden death. In medieval times she was invoked with prayers and hymns to grant a peaceful and well-prepared parting from this life. The miners chose her as their special patron because their work exposes them to constant danger of sudden death. In many countries of Europe her day still is the official feast day of the miners and the military units of artillery.

Saint Barbara's Branch

This is an attractive custom, practiced in some parts of Europe today. On Saint Barbara's feast day, December 4th, small branches are broken from fruit trees, especially cherries, and put in a pitcher of water, kept in a warm room of the house. These branches then break into bloom around Christmas Day. Among the superstitions associated with the branches, it is said many blossoms indicate great good luck while no blossoms mean very bad luck. Also, the one whose twig bursts into flower just on Christmas Day is especially blessed and is sure that he will not die during the following year. Today, the Barbara Branch, in most places, is used as the Saint's tribute to the Holy Child in the crib, for the branches are brought into blossom with the purpose of using them to decorate our Lord's manger at Christmas.

For more on the life of Saint Barbara, go to: Life of Saint Barbara

Crossing Over

"And I saw the river over which every soul must pass to reach the Kingdom of Heaven, and the name of the river was Suffering...and I saw the boat which carries souls across the river, and the name of that boat was Love." St. John of the Cross

Three First Generation Franciscan Women

In three days we have looked at three holy Franciscan women of the first generation of Franciscans, all alive when Saint Francis and Saint Clare were living. For Father Francis, Mother Clare and all our Franciscan brothers and sisters who were there in the beginning, Lord Jesus, we give you thanks and praises for their holy deeds and lives. May their examples help us on our way to behold your glory when we pass from this life to the next.

Nov 19 - Saint Agnes of Assisi - 1197-1253

When St. Clare received the veil in 1212, she left behind her at home a young sister of 14 named Agnes. In answer to Clare's prayers and inspired by God, Agnes betook herself to the same convent where Clare was then staying only 16 days after her sister's departure from home.

Their father, much enraged, hastened to the convent in company with several relatives. He used force to remove her and was in the act of dragging her along by the hair, when Agnes suddenly became fixed to the spot. The united efforts of the entire company were powerless to move her. But he was seized with a violent pain in his arm and the weapon dropped from his hand. Overcome with fear, he and the rest of the band fled from the scene.

Agnes was overjoyed and returned to her sister Clare. St. Francis then led the two maidens to the convent of St. Damian, where he gave the holy habit also to Agnes. She now endeavored to imitate her saintly sister in everything, and devoted all her spare time to prayer and contemplation. She lived a very austere life, partaking only of bread and water, and wearing a coarse garb all her life.

St. Francis soon recognized the rich treasure of virtue hidden in this privileged soul. When a new convent of Poor Clares was to be founded at Florence in 1221, St. Francis sent Agnes, despite her youth, to act as superior there. Later he sent her also to Mantua and to several other cities in northern Italy to establish additional houses of the order. Wherever she went, she edified everybody by her holy life. Many devout young women renounced the world in order to consecrate themselves to God in monastic seclusion under her direction. She had the gift of infusing the Franciscan spirit into them, both by word and example.

She was favored with many extraordinary graces by God. In the great fervor of her devotion she was often raised above the earth, and once our Lord appeared to her in the form of an infant. From Holy Thursday until Holy Saturday she was once so rapt in the contemplation of the sufferings of Christ that she was under the impression she had spent an hour in this mystical state.

When St. Clare was about to die, she sent for Agnes to assist her in her final days. In her last moments Clare addressed her sister in these words, "My beloved sister, it is the will of God that I go, but be comforted, you will soon come and rejoin me with our Lord." Three months later Agnes followed her sister to eternity. It was on November 16, 1253. Her body rests in Assisi in a side chapel of the church of St. Clare. Numerous miracles occurred at her tomb, and Pope Benedict XIV canonized her.

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from THE FRANCISCAN BOOK OF SAINTS
edited by Marion Habig, ofm
Copyright 1959 Franciscan Herald Press

Pax et Bonum

Two First Generation Franciscan Women

In reading the last two posts, on Blessed Salome and Saint Elizabeth, I notice many striking similarities between the two and interesting facts. Both were born of wealthy, royal families and lived in the same era as St. Francis and St. Clare. (St. Francis was born in 1182, St. Clare, in 1194, Blessed Salome, in 1201, and St. Elizabeth, in 1207.)

Both were betrothed during childhood, and both married into wealthy, royal families. Both couples were very pious and honored the spiritual life and calling of their spouses. Both were happily married and became widows in their 20’s. Both used their wealth and their lives to support and care for the poor. They were related by marriage, as Salome married the brother of Elizabeth. Salome and Elizabeth both joined the Third Order of Franciscans with Salome becoming a Poor Clare later.

One thing which struck me in particular is how far and wide the Franciscan Orders spread in such a short period. Elizabeth’s husband died when she was 20 (1227) and she became a member of the Third Order before he died and probably before St. Francis died in 1226. She was the first member in Germany.

Salome also became a member of the Third Order before her husband died in 1225 and before St. Francis died. In 1240 she entered the convent of the Poor Clares at Zawichost, Poland, while St. Clare was still living.

What comments would you like to make about these two first generation Franciscan women?

Nov 18 - Blessed Salome 1201-1268

Salome was a daughter of the royal family of Prince Lescon V, and a sister of Boleslas the Chaste, the virginal spouse of Blessed Kinga (July 23). She was born at Crakow, the capital of Poland, in 1201. At the age of 3, according to the custom of the time, she was betrothed to Prince Colman of Hungary, a brother of St. Elizabeth of Thuringia (Nov 17), and was sent to the court of King Andrew II in order to be raised according to the customs of the country.

The little girl proved to be a child of grace and a model to all with whom she associated. When the day of her marriage arrived, both spouses resolved to preserve their virginity. They preserved their vow intact to the end of their lives.

The pious couple vied with each other in their practices of piety and penance. With the consent of her husband, Salome received the habit of the Third Order of St. Francis at the hands of her confessor, a Franciscan friar. Following her example, many of the ladies at court renounced worldly pomp and vanity, and the palace took on the appearance of a convent. Even when her husband became king of Galicia, and Salome, in addition to the crown that was here by birth, received a royal crown, she remained the simple daughter of St. Francis in the Order of Penance.

King Coleman fell in battle against the Tatars in 1225. Salome then resolved to consecrate herself to God, and used her wealth in supporting the poor and in building churches. In 1240 she entered the convent of the Poor Clares at Zawichost. The convent was later removed to the vicinity of Crakow, to protect it against the inroads of the Tatars, and it was known as St. Mary of the Stairs. Here Salome continued to live for 28 years, highly respected by her fellow sisters because of her virtue. On several occasions she was elected to the office of abbess.

When she was 67 years old, she was seized with an illness one day during holy Mass, and she predicted that her death would follow shortly. Admonishing those about her deathbed to practice charity and harmony, and faithfully observe the rule, she died November 17, 1268, favored and fortified in her last hour with a vision of our Lady and the Child Jesus. A heavenly sign that she was receiving a third crown, the best of them all, was the fact that her sisters in religion, at the moment of her death, saw a brilliant start rise from her lips and mount to heaven.

When her body was exhumed seven months after burial, it was found incorrupt and giving forth a sweet odor. She was then entombed in the Franciscan Church at Crakow beside her husband, King Colman. Many miracles occurred in testimony of her sanctity, whereupon Pope Clement X beatified her.

from THE FRANCISCAN BOOK OF SAINTS
edited by Marion Habig, OFM
Copyright 1959, Franciscan Herald Press

Franciscan Saints

Nov 17 - St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was born in 1207. She was a princess, daughter of King Andrew of Hungary. She was the great-aunt of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal. She married Prince Louis of Thuringa at age 13.

She built a hospital at the foot of the mountain on which her castle stood and tended to the sick herself. Her family and courtiers opposed this, but she insisted she could only follow Christ's teachings, not theirs. Once when she was taking food to the poor and sick, Prince Louis stopped her and looked under her mantle to see what she was carrying. The food had been miraculously changed to roses.

Elizabeth joined the Third Order of St. Francis during the lifetime of her husband. She was the first member in Germany and received a message from St. Francis himself.

Upon Louis' death when she was 20, Elizabeth sold all that she had, and worked to support her four children. Her gifts of bread to the poor and of a large gift of grain to a famine stricken Germany led to her patronage of bakers and related fields.

"From the earliest period of the development of the Third Order of Penance the intuitive spirit of numerous founders of tertiary congregations of both men and women - who were attracted by the spirit of Saint Francis - have chosen Saint Elizabeth as an inspiration and patron for their institutes and, following her example, have dedicated their groups to evangelical conversion and works of mercy." Franciscan Friars Third Order.

From a letter by Conrad of Marburg, spiritual director of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Elizabeth was a lifelong friend of the poor and gave herself entirely to relieving the hungry. She ordered that one of her castle should be converted into a hospital in which she gathered many of the weak and feeble. She generously gave alms to all who were in need, not only in that place but in all the territories of her husband's empire. She spent all her own revenue from her husband's four principalities, and finally she sold her luxurious possessions and rich clothes for the sake of the poor.

Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, Elizabeth went to visit the sick. She personally cared for those who were particularly repulsive; to some she gave good, to others clothing; some she carried on her own shoulders, and performed many other kindly services. Her husband, of happy memory, gladly approved of these charitable works. Finally, when her husband died, she sought the highest perfection; filled with tears, she implored me to let her beg for alms from door to door.

On Good Friday of that year, when the altars had been stripped, she laid her hands on the altar in a chapel in her own town, where she had established the Friars Minor, and before witnesses she voluntarily renounced all worldly display and everything that our Savior in the gospel advises us to abandon. Even then she saw that she could still be distracted by the cares and worldly glory which had surrounded her while her husband was alive. Against my will she followed me to Marburg. Here in the town she built a hospice where she gathered together the weak and the feeble. There she attended the most wretched and contemptible at her own table.

Apart from those active good works, I declare before God that I have seldom seen a more contemplative woman.

Before her death I heard her confession. When I asked what should be done about her goods and possessions, she replied that anything which seemed to be hers belonged to the poor. She asked me to distribute everything except one worn-out dress in which she wished to be buried. When all this had been decided, she received the body of our Lord. Afterward, until vespers, she spoke often of the holiest things she had heard in sermons. Then, she devoutly commended to God all who were sitting near her, and as if falling into a gentle sleep, she died.

SAINT ELIZABETH AND PERFECT JOY (TOR)

WE HAVE COME TO BELIEVE IN LOVE (TOR)

St. Martin of Tours Feast Day - November 11th

Today is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, bishop. He was the first bishop and confessor honored by the Church in the West. He was born in 315 or 316 in a Roman province that includes modern Hungary. His parents were pagans, and his father was a Roman army officer. As a child, he was spiritually hungry and was drawn to the Christian church. He became a catechumen when he was ten years old and spent time with God in contemplative prayer.

Martin was forced to join the army at 15 and was assigned to a ceremonial cavalry unit that protected the emperor. At the time he was still a catechumen. While in the army, he lived more like a monk than a soldier.

The most famous story concerning his life took place while he was on garrison duty in Gaul (France). On an extremely cold winter day, as he rode through the gates, he saw a beggar in ragged clothes. Martin slashed his mantle in two with his sword and gave half to the freezing man. That night, he dreamed that he saw Jesus wearing the half mantel he had given to the beggar. Martin was immediately baptized. He was 18. Later his zeal converted his mother and sisters.

Martin left the army and entered monastic life, living a quiet life until he was made bishop of Tours. He started churches all over France, was beloved by his people and worked many miracles. He died when he was over 80 years old on November 8th. He was buried on November 11th in the Cemetery of the Poor in Tours, at his request.

Franciscans are encouraged to read more about St. Martin's life as there are many similarities between him and St. Francis, both spiritually and in biographical events. This is further evidenced by the painting of St. Martin in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.

Saint Martin of Tours Renouncing the Sword,
by Simone Martini (c. 1321).
Located in the Lower Church of the
Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Article 8

As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do.

Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist. Let them join in liturgical prayer in one of the forms proposed by the Church, reliving the mysteries of the life of Christ.

The Blessing of Saint Colette

I pray that the Blessed Holy Spirit will always
keep you in his holy grace
and lead you at last to eternal glory.

May the Father in his Mercy,
the Son, by his holy Passion,
and the Holy Spirit,
the fountain of peace,
sweetness, love and all consolation
come down upon you and remain with you always.

(Sent from Poor Clare Colettines TMD, Wales)

Blessed Are They

ALL SAINTS' DAY

NOVEMBER 1

All Saints' Day, November 1, is a principal feast of the Catholic Church and a holy day of obligation. The Church celebrates all the saints - canonized or beatified as well as those who are in heaven that are only known to God.

This a day to remember also that we are all called to holiness and to live the Beatitudes. From the 5th Chapter of Lumen Gentium, on the "Universal Call to Holiness":

"They must follow in His footsteps and conform themselves to His image seeking the will of the Father in all things. They must devote themselves with all their being to the glory of God and the service of their neighbor. In this way, the holiness of the People of God will grow into an abundant harvest of good, as is admirably shown by the life of so many saints in Church history." (LG 40)

Gospel Reading of the Day

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:1-12a)

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

Article 11

Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their own material needs. Let them be mindful that according to the gospel they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God's children.

Thus, in the spirit of the Beatitudes, and as pilgrims and strangers on their way to the home of the Father, they should strive to purify their hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you and with true sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You.

Protect me in the midst of danger, comfort me in my afflictions, give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

This is one of my favorite personal prayers. It is simple and short but seems to cover everything that I might include for myself alone and my relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. It brings to mind The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order. Could this be because of the connection between Saint Margaret Mary and Saint Francis? Secular Franciscans, pray this prayer to live our Rule more perfectly.

From the writings of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:

"On the feast of St. Francis ( October 4, 1673 ), Our Lord let me see in prayer, this great saint, clad in a garment of light and unspeakable brilliance. He had been raised above the other saints to an extraordinarily high degree of glory, because his life was so like that of the suffering redeemer who is the life of our souls and the love of our hearts. His glory was the reward of his great love for the passion of our Lord, a love which rendered him worthy of the great stigmata and made him one of the great favourites of Jesus' heart. By a very special favour he has been given great power in applying to the faithful the merits of the Precious Blood, a power which made him, in a sense, the mediator of this treasure. After I had seen all this, the Divine Bridegroom, as a token of his love, gave me St. Francis as my soul's guide. He was to lead me through all the pains and sufferings that awaited me."

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

Article X

United themselves to the redemptive obedience of Jesus, who placed his will into the Father's hands, let them faithfully fulfill the duties proper to their various circumstances of life. Let them also follow the poor and crucified Christ, witness to him even in difficulties and persecutions.

Article XII

Witnessing to the good yet to come and obliged to acquire purity of heart because of the vocation they have embraced, they should set themselves free to love God and their brothers and sisters.