The feast of All Saints has been with the Church since the 5th century, although saints have been venerated from the beginning. The day chosen by the Church was the first Sunday after Pentecost. That remains the day in the East. In the West, the day was moved to November 1st in the 8th century. I'm sure that many could share great stories about the saints but what I am interested in here is what are your stories about YOUR interactions with the saints. After all, those who have passed from this life and are with Christ are not dead, but rather more alive than we are. View attachment 3648
This is long, but this is how a saint helped not only save my marriage and family, but also brought me back to the church... And the punchline at the end is the best part. I grew up and went to elementary school at a Catholic school. But little did I know how little faith would really play in my early years of life. After 5th grade I moved and I would never stepped foot in a church again until I was in my early 20’s. Starting in my mid-20’s I would drift in and out of the Church over the next 10-12 years. Then in 2005, when things with Jessica and I were pretty much at the bottom, I remember actually saying out loud, “I don’t think I believe there is a God.” Over the next few years I would never say that to my kids, but when I went to church I was just going through the motions. I didn’t go to confession. I didn’t worry about receiving the Eucharist when I shouldn’t have. What was I worried about if there was no God. I would go through the motions because I knew it was important to my wife. If I missed a week of church, which I often did, it was not a big deal at all to myself. This was very much the darkest time of my life I could remember spiritually. This was the time when the wife and I would have our biggest problems. If there was a God, why would he let us go through this. Why would he let us hurt each other so bad and why would he allow us to not love each other any longer. Why would he have us there signing divorce papers. How that really was just a way for him to bring us closer. Over the next 4 years I would sway back and forth between there is no God, to, I’m not really sure and I don’t really care, because if there was, why would he allow us to hurt each other this much. At the time we started looking at Retrouvaille, I was in the I’m not sure about God, but if so what does it matter camp. I remember challenging God saying show me he was real. I threw down the gauntlet, “I will go to Daily Mass for one week, and you have the chance to prove to me your are real.” The only question was, would he accept my challenge. On Day 1: the retired priest at our Parrish would end up using his homily to talk about some book by some Saint I had never heard of. The Diary by Saint Faustina, and how it showed God’s grace. I remember thinking, great story, but not really proving anything by that God. On Day 2: the priest again talked about The Diary with another story on the Mercy that God has for us, blah blah blah. God I need a sign that you are real. Turn the Eucharist into flesh, have a statue bleed, make the saints on the back wall move…. something. On Day 3: of my one week of Daily Mass I started feeling this was going to be a waste of time, and then when the Priest got up and started talking about St Faustina’s Diary again. Enough already!!!! This time he actually had the book in his hand encouraging us to go buy it. Little did I know, he was really just talking to me. I said ok… I’m a little slow, maybe, just maybe this was somehow my sign. Right after mass I went and purchased the book in the Church’s book store. I started reading it. At the time I was actually living in a motel and in my car at nights. But I remember staying up late at the motel 6 one night and another night laying under the light in my gym’s parking lot, plowing through the book. Hearing St Faustina talk, it hit me, God is 100% real and he loves me. He loves us. The stories touched me and I believed. This is right about the same time we started our Retrouvaille weekend. It was not a quick fix, but over time I started becoming closer to God, and as I got closer to God, Jess and I became closer. And as Jess and I got closer, it brought us even closer to God together. Today my relationship with Jesus is unlike any time it has ever been in my life. And I would say my relationship with Jessica is as good, if not better, than it has ever been. I can see that God allowed me to have that dark time in my life so I could recognize and appreciate the light even more. God is real. And he loves us. And I thank him often for loving me and giving me Jessica and giving us Saints that can help bring us closer to him. And then there is the kicker… So whatever happened with St Faustina? I carry a coin around in my wallet every day with her on it. I also say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy almost daily, which was a prayer Jesus gave her to give to the Church. One day, about 14-15 months after I started reading The Diary, I was driving in my car to work listening to Catholic Radio. It was October 5th Jessica’s and I anniversary. The radio started talking about the Saint of the Day, and who was the Saint of the day for our anniversary? You guessed it St Faustina. I still get chills every time I say that out loud, just like I did that day. But go ahead… try telling yourself that is just a coincidence. When I heard that I was physically shaken. Since that moment I heard that my belief in God became completely unshakable. There is nothing that could shake that belief now and I am more on fire for him than ever. God did not put Jessica and I through bad times. We did that. The Devil did that. The greatest gift from God we have is families. Of course the Devil would want to attack that. No, God did not put us through that, but he allowed us to go through because he knew that is what we needed to help bring us both closer to him and much closer to each other. Thank you Jesus for allowing us to go through hell, but please don’t let it happen again.
Great story Retro and great saint! The date is certainly no accident (but you knew that already). I read her diary on the bus on the way to her convent. You must have been affected deeply if you read the whole thing as it is not small. Marriage was the first covenant and the theology of marriage is rich. The theology of mystical marriage (Christ the Bridegroom and his Bride the Church) is even deeper and covers Genesis to Revelation.
Several years ago, my family and I visited a Russian Orthodox monastery. We enjoyed praying in the chapel and walking around the grounds. It was very peaceful. They also had a small store full of icons and books on various spiritual topics. I spoke with the monk working there and advised him that I was Catholic but wanted to learn more about the prayers of the Russian Church. He handed me two books. One was the Way of the Pilgrim and the other was a biography on St. John the Wonderworker. I told the monk that I only had enough money for one book so he recommended the Way of the Pilgrim. As I was paying, he handed me the other book as well. I looked at him to indicate that I had no money. He smiled and handed it to me anyway. I read through both books voraciously in a couple of weeks. I was so impressed by St. John the Wonderworker. He was a priest that had to leave Russia when the communists were persecuting the Church there and fled to Shanghai with other Russians. That lasted until the communists took over China too and so he and others fled to San Francisco. He became the bishop there and led his community in holiness. The book was largely a collection of what others recounted that he had said and done throughout his ministry and I was moved at how much he loved prayer and devoted himself to the service of his flock. A Catholic priest in a parish in the same neighborhood in San Francisco even recounted to his own community that if they wanted to see a saint, they had one down the street. If someone was sick or in the hospital, he showed up to pray with them regardless of the time of night even when no one had called him. View attachment 3649 The book said that he was buried in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco, Joy of All Who Sorrow. I wanted to go visit the Church but it would have been impossible with no money or time away from work as I live across the country from there. Still I asked the Lord, almost daydreaming one day, to make a way if it was his will. Within a week, my boss walked into my office and told me that there was a week-long business conference in San Francisco the following month and I needed to attend. I was shocked. I had told no one about my prayer to go there. I was going to San Francisco and my company was paying for it. I was even more shocked when I got to San Francisco. The hotel where the conference was and where I was staying was down the street from the very Church. The conference ended about 4:00 each day so I walked down the street and met with the priests. St. John the Wonderworker is buried right there in the Church in a casket with a glass top. He is robed is priestly vestments and his face covered with a liturgical cloth. I was so happy to see him and asked for his intercession. The priests invited me to Vespers and I prayed with them each evening. On my last day, one of the priests opened the bookstore for me and I bought an icon of St. John the Wonderworker. He said, “ah, one more thing. Stay here”. He returned with a handful of small bottles of holy oil. He explained that these bottles are filled with oil that was in the lamps burning above where the saint is buried. I explained that after buying the icon I was out of money. He smiled and gave me a couple of more bottles. I have since given away all but one. He has been a good friend for many years. His icon is next to my user name above.
What a coincidence, the orthodox Church round the corner is named after him, I think he is also called, 'John of Shanghai'? or of 'San Francisco?
I was curious about him , Robert , so I looked him up a few months ago. I am fond of the fact that they are still canonising such modern saints. The moderns are more easy to relate to , often.
The one who is most grateful is often the one who was forgiven the most . . . July 22nd is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. I have a special devotion to her and feel a great closeness to her. She is to me a shining example of a contemplative who loves the Lord in a deep and mystical way. A way that often times lacks words but is beautifully expressed in the Song of Songs. St. Bernard of Clairvaux (11th century) is considered by some as the last of the Fathers of the Church. He comments on this book in many of his sermons. For instance he says, “Only the touch of the Spirit can inspire a song like this, and only personal experience can unfold its meaning” (Sermon 1). He will explain to us that the bridegroom in the song is Jesus (even as Jesus calls himself the bridegroom) and the bride can be the Church or the individual soul. The bride can also be our Lady as she is the Mother of the Church and the preeminent exemplar of all the individuals who make up the Church. In this song we see something very mysterious and holy – the longing for the Lord – and this longing can only be fully appreciated as St. Bernard says “by personal experience”. To examine the Lord and study his word is one thing. It is yet another thing to know and love him. In his infinite wisdom, our dear Lord draws us to himself and then he seemingly withdraws for a time. He has not truly left us but his absence makes us seek him and long for him. St. Gregory the Great (6th century) wrote, “When our desires are not satisfied, they grow stronger, and becoming stronger they take hold of their object. Holy desires likewise grow with anticipation, and if they do not grow they are not really desires. Anyone who succeeds in attaining the truth has burned with such a great love”. This beautiful and mysterious longing is spoken of by David when he says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night” (Ps 63:6). In another era the prophet also speaks from the heart and says, “My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you” (Is 26:9). In this context, we read from the Song: On my bed at night I sought him whom my heart loves- I sought him but I did not find him. I will rise then and go about the city; in the streets and crossings I will seek Him whom my heart loves. I sought him but I did not find him. The watchmen came upon me as they made their rounds of the city: Have you seen him whom my heart loves? I had hardly left them when I found him whom my heart loves. (Song of Songs 3:1-4) The one who is most grateful is often the one who was forgiven the most. St. Mary Magdalene was forgiven a great deal and her gratitude and love for Jesus was so much that she returned to the tomb. In her longing for him she wept. St. Gregory says, “She was still seeking the one she had not found, and while she sought she wept; burning with the fire of love, she longed for him who she thought had been taken away”. She asked the gardener where they have taken the body. Jesus (the gardener) asks her, “Whom do you seek?” (Jn 20:15). Only when he says her name does she recognize the one whom she sought. Indeed, this is why she is a great saint. The Church in the East calls her the “apostle to the apostles” because Jesus appeared first to her and she shared the news of his Resurrection with them. Friends, the question remains the same for us today. Whom do you seek? Do you long for Him who has touched your soul? St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us who have much to be grateful for. A friend of mine traveled to the south of France and sent me a picture that he took of her tomb there. View attachment 3653
Thanks for posting this Litany. This Feast day and our intercession of the saints is what brings such fullness to our lives as Catholics. We are so blessed to remember the Saints (canonized) and I also think the (small s) saints - parents, grandparents, and other family members who we have know that may not be formally recognized, but in our hearts are in Heaven interceding for us. So, on this day, as we struggle, it's good for me to acknowledge despite my sins, I'm called to be a saint. And I feel that perhaps the one common thread to the saints is that when they fell, they got up and moved forward. Today's Gospel , which is the Beatitudes, to me is the "blueprint" given to us by Christ Himself on how to become a saint. Happy Feast Day!
I remember this hymn so many, many years ago sung at my grandfathers funeral Mass. Beautiful then and beautiful now.
My favourite saint of all by far is Saint Joseph. I always had an aversion to him for years, perhpas because he seemed to me like some remote old man and lets face it Catholic art often does not flatter the poor guy too much. But since he was the husband of Mary and since my great hero St Tereasa of Avila adored him I knew I was off target. So for many, many years that I might learn to appreciate him . Many , many years sped by and one day I saw him in prayer at St Joseph's shrine in Clonard and he finally came up to introduce himself. He is not at all like he is on our Cahtolic art. He seemed young enough, perhaps in his early twenties with wonderful kind of chestnut hair and a full beard. The most beautiful smile. What struck me most about him was that like Mary his wife he was just so utterly humble, don to earth human and unaffected. So kind and assuming with the most wonderful eyes. But a huge gentle strength there too like some heavenly rock. Like Mary too a warmth and sense of humour. He was the kind of guy you might pass in the street and never notice him, but once you paid attention you would stare and stare and nver forget. Awesome holiness. But just so very,very likeable. I love him so much. If any saint in heaven pays attention to prayers it is St Joe. I love to go to him particulary with material needs. The Terror of Demons, He just has to glance... A really, really nice guy and great friend to have. Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me. This prayer was found in the fifteenth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, not shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall be overpowered in battle. Say for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail, so be sure you really want what you ask. - See more at: http://prayertostjoseph.org/#sthash.aKlEVMNs.dpuf
I read many years ago the why of why St Joseph was always depicted St Joseph as an old man in pre-20th century art. In olden times they figured that a young-n-healthy-n-normal man simply could not remain celibate with his young/beautiful wife... The Virgin Mary. So many answers to mysteries in the next life. I've also read lately that St Mary Magdalene might not be as naughty of a lady as we have been lead to believe. Seems that there might well have been some in-fighting amonghst the Disciples and misogyny goin'-on in Olden Times? GOD AND ALL SAINTS BE WITH US TODAY!!!
Over the years of the forum, I have referred to an early post about the Little Flower. I thought I would share once more: Well, the retreat happened to be at Canada's National Shrine of the Little Flower. This had a wonderful impact on the weekend, though I'm only now realizing it. There were amazing artifacts and treasures there by which Therese inspired me and reminded me of her role in the O'Loughlin clan. I found it so easy to pray in the midst of such relics; it was like doing a backfloat on a sea of sacramentals: very peaceful and relaxing (Isn't it great to be a Catholic!). Therese, herself, had hoped to be a missionary to far-flung lands; instead, she ended up promulgating and inspiring millions with her Little Way of Love. Like Paul's great hymn of love in 1Cor13, Therese reminds me that what I accomplish matters little, but how I love in the doing, does!. This is how this useless servant can waltz rejoicingly to my heart's content with either of the above dance partners. It is all grace. BTW, I don't believe I've shared on this forum how the Little Flower was planted in my family's life as sort of a patron saint: We have a picture of my Grandfather Dan standing at Therese's gravesite in 1909, just 12 years after her death, and 16 years before her canonization. He was blessed to receive a lock of her hair at that time (location now unknown), and quickly developed a devotion. In 1948, he published a book of religious poems dedicated to her; he had great confidence in her friendship. Here are some other interesting holy coincidences: I was born on Jan. 2, her birthday, and named Terrence (not Mario). Near the end my years of rebellion, the Lord planted me in a parish named in her honor; it is there that my conversion took place in 1977. In 1979-80, I shared an apartment with a Little Flower devotee, who introduced me to, Story of a Soul, which touched me deeply. Therese had such a love for Scripture, as do I. Our oldest son, Benjamin, a religious priest now near Detroit, Michigan, was born on Therese's feast day, Oct.1. A few days after learning Geralyn was pregnant with our sixth child, my guardian angel told me it was a girl and that we should name her Therese. ...and so many other roses, half of which I probably haven't noticed. Safe on the Path of the Little Way!
When I go to mass in the morning in order to get into the sacristy I have to pass a very large statue of St Therese and always pause to touch her foot and bless myself. One thing I notice is there are always bunches of the most beautiful roses at her feet, which remind me of what St Therese promised, 'When I die I will let fall a rain of roses upon the Earth'. When she first joined Carmel at just 15 she admitted the one thing she missed were the wild flowers in the meados back home. God has paid her back a billion times over for that.
St Joseph was the patron saint for one of our men's ACTS retreats. We chose him as so many husbands/fathers relate to him. He was depicted in the ProtoEvangeluim of James (1st century) as an older man. He is not discussed much in the Church after that until the 16th century starting with St. Teresa of Avila. He seems to have really been honored by the Church in the 19th century when the Pope (I think Pius IX) established his feast day and declared him universal protector of the Church. I believe that St Joseph is also one of the patron saints of Italy. It is my opinion that our Lord brings saints to the forefront in times that we need them the most. Fatherhood in recent times is surely in need of good and holy examples. As far as ages in Heaven, I would think that all seem young to some degree. I don't really know but that does seem to be common in books by Michael Brown who interviewed people who had near death experiences and met people in Heaven. Almost all seemed young
Apparently there is agreement that when folks come back from heaven they are in their early twenties. I had forgotten that St Joseph appeared at Fatima on the last day, just before the sun miracle: http://www.catholictradition.org/Joseph/joseph20.htm
