One good thing about the algorithms on utube is that they have been throwing up loads and loads of little pieces of Guadalupe the last couple of weeks ago. The big takeaway is that the proofs that is genuine are totally overwhelming. But the thing is people believe exactly what they want to. If it is inconvenient for them to believe in the Tilma they simple will not believe. Sad.
SAINT OF THE DAY SATURDAY, 13 DECEMBER, 2025 SAINT LUCY VIRGIN AND MARTYR (283 - 304) Today's feast can easily be harmonized with Advent themes. The very name Lucy pulsates with light, a living symbol amid the season's darkness (the days are now the shortest of the year). As a wise virgin Lucy advances with a burning lamp to meet the Bridegroom. She typifies the Church and the soul now preparing their bridal robes for a Christmas marriage. That the famous Sicilian martyr really lived may be deduced from the great popular veneration accorded her since most ancient times. The Acts detailing her sufferings, however, merit little credence. According to these she made a pilgrimage to Catonia with her mother, who suffered from hemorrhage, to venerate the body of St. Agatha. After praying devoutly at the tomb, Agatha appeared to her in a dream and consoled her: "O virgin Lucy, why do you ask of me what you yourself can procure for your mother? For your faith too has come to her aid and therefore she has been cured. By your virginity you have indeed prepared for God a lovely dwelling." And her mother actually was healed. Immediately Lucy asked permission to remain a virgin and to distribute her future dowry among Christ's poor. Child and mother returned to their native city of Syracuse, and Lucy proceeded to distribute the full proceeds from the sale of her property among the poor. When a young man, to whom Lucy's parents had promised the virgin's hand against her will, had heard of the development, he reported her to the city prefect as a Christian. "Your words will be silenced," the prefect said to her, "when the storm of blows falls upon you!" The virgin: "To God's servants the right words will not be wanting, for the Holy Spirit speaks in us." "Yes," she continued, "all who live piously and chastely are temples of the Holy Spirit." "Then," he replied, "I shall order you put with prostitutes and the Holy Spirit will depart from you." Lucy: "If I am dishonored against my will, my chastity will secure for me a double crown of victory." Aflame with anger, the judge imposed the threatened order. But God made the virgin solidly firm in her place and no force could move her. "With such might did the Holy Spirit hold her firm that the virgin of Christ remained immovable." Thereupon they poured heated pitch and resin over her: "I have begged my Lord Jesus Christ that this fire have no power over me. And in testimony of Him I have asked a postponement of my death." When she had endured all this without the least injury, they pierced her throat with a sword. Thus she victoriously ended her martyrdom. PATRON: against hemorraghes; authors; blind people; blindness; cutlers; dysentery; eye disease; eye problems; glaziers; hemorraghes; laborers; martyrs; peasants; Perugia, Italy; saddlers; salesmen; stained glass workers; Syracuse, Sicily; throat infections; writers. PRAYER: Lord, give us courage through the prayers of St. Lucy. As we celebrate her entrance into eternal glory, we ask to share her happiness in the life to come. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. PRAYER TO ST. LUCY, FOR THE EYES OF THE BODY AND THOSE OF THE SOUL O St Lucy, you preferred to let your eyes be torn out instead of denying the faith and defiling your soul; and God, through an extraordinary miracle, replaced them with another pair of sound and perfect eyes to reward your virtue and faith, appointing you as the protector against eye diseases. I come to you for you to protect my eyesight and to heal the illness in my eyes. O St Lucy, preserve the light of my eyes so that I may see the beauties of creation, the glow of the sun, the colour of the flowers and the smile of children. Preserve also the eyes of my soul, the faith, through which I can know my God, understand His teachings, recognise His love for me and never miss the road that leads me to where you, St Lucy, can be found in the company of the angels and saints. St Lucy, protect my eyes and preserve my faith. Amen.
It is very touching the deep, deep devotion that the Sicilians have for Saint Lucy and they took that with them to the USA where it spread and grew. When our Catholic sisters and brothers have such an intense veneration for a saint it is time to pay attention. What drew this devotion? I suppose because of her great suffering for the Faith. Her remaining steadfast through it all. As the time of the Great Persecution draws near it is good to ask the question if we ourselves are prepared to suffer. A week or two ago I was watching a utube video by Bob and Penny Lord on St Lucy. You may remember them as being on EWTN years and years ago. I was surprised to learn that they themselves had gone through a radical conversion experience. Rest in Peace. Wonderful Catholics
SAINT OF THE DAY SUNDAY, 14 DECEMBER, 2025 SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS CONFESSOR AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (June 24, 1542 – December 14, 1591) Juan de Yepes was the Castilian son of a poor silk weaver of Fontiberos, Toledo, Spain and was born in 1542. His father was of noble birth; he had married much beneath him, and for that offense had been entirely cut off by his family. He had taken to silk weaving as a means of livelihood, but had never been able to make much of it. Soon after the birth of Juan he died, worn out with the effort to keep his wife and three children. The family was left in direst poverty; the children grew up always underfed, so that to the end of his life Juan remained dwarfed in stature. Unable to learn a trade, he became the servant of the poor in the hospital of Medina, while still pursuing his sacred studies. In 1563, being then twenty-one, he humbly offered himself as a lay-brother to the Carmelite friars, who, however, knowing his talents, had him ordained priest. He would now have exchanged to the severe Carthusian Order, had not St. Teresa of Avila, with the instinct of a saint, persuaded him to remain and help her in the reform of his own Order. Thus he became the first prior of the Discalced (meaning "barefoot") Carmelites. His reform, though approved by the general, was rejected by the elder friars, who condemned the saint as a fugitive and apostate, and cast him into prison, whence he only escaped, after nine months' suffering, at the risk of his life. Twice again, before his death, he was shamefully persecuted by his brethren, and publicly disgraced. But his complete abandonment by creatures only deepened his interior peace and devout longing for heaven. St. John was a great contemplative and spiritual writer. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI on August 24, 1926. He is the patron of contemplative life, mystical theology, mystics, and Spanish poets. "With what procrastinations do you wait, since from this very moment you can love God in your heart?" Mine are the heavens and mine is the earth. Mine are the nations, the just are mine and mine the sinners. The angels are mine, and the Mother of God, and all things are mine; and God himself is mine and for me, because Christ is mine and all for me. What do you ask, then, and seek my soul? Yours is all of this, and all is for you. Do not engage your self in something less or pay heed to the crumbs that fall from your Father's table. Go forth and exult in your Glory! Hide yourself in it and rejoice, and you will obtain the supplications of your heart. PATRON: Contemplative life; contemplatives; mystical theology; mystics; Spanish poets. PRAYER: O God, who gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him closely at all times, we may come to contemplate eternally your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I tried and tried to get into the writings of St John of the Cross but could never really get into them. On the other hand I think I have read all of St Teresa of Avila's works and they always seemed so clear like coming home. Teresa and John are kinda twins of the same pod. So this is a bit surprising. John reminds me that the saints are our friends. We don' t connect automatically with everyone, even saints. But I really love the story of Teresa and John levitating when they used to meet. Wonderful.
My Carmelite saint is St Therese. She loved St John of the Cross. My granddaughter is getting confirmation in February and is taking St Therese for her confirmation name. She has asked me to be her sponsor and asked me for a book to read on her. I gave her Story of a Soul.
SAINT OF THE DAY MONDAY, 15 DECEMBER, 2025 SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI WIDOW (2 April 1587 – 15 December 1651) Daughter of Giorgio Centurione, and imposing and controlling individual who became the Doge of Genoa, and Lelia Spinola. Raised in a pious family, she felt drawn to religious life as a child. However, due to family position she agree to an arranged marriage to Gasparo Grimaldi Bracelli on 10 December 1602. He was a drinker, a gambler, and though the couple had two daughters, Lelia and Isabella, he was little of a father or husband. Virginia was widowed on 13 June 1607 after five years of marriage, aged 20, and with two small children. Virginia moved in with her in-laws, cared for her children, and dedicated her free time to prayer and charity. When her daughters were grown and married, Virginia devoted herself entirely to caring for the sick, aged, and abandoned children. In late 1624 and early 1625 war in the region led to many orphans, some whom Virginia took in and cared for, and she worked with refugees in the town. When her mother-in-law died in August 1625, Virginia poured herself into the work, turning her house into a refuge and founding the Cento Signore della Misericordia Protettrici dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo. Her house was overrun with the needy during a plague and famine in 1629 – 1630. To house them all Virginia rented the vacant convent of Monte Calvario and moved her charges there in 1631. Due to crowding, extra housing was built in 1634, Virginia was soon caring for 300 patients, and in 1635 she received official government recognition for her hospital. Virginia worked closely with the young women in her houses, teaching them religion and ways to earn a living. The expenses of Monte Calvario were excessive, so Virginia bought two villas and started construction of a church dedicated to Our Lady of Refuge. It became the mother church of the Institution, whose Rule was written between 1644 and 1650 and which was divided into two congregations: Suore di Nostra Signora del Rifugio di Monte Calvario (Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Calvary) and Figlie di Nostra Signora al Monte Calvario (Daughters of Our Lady on Mount Calvary). When the group of Protectors, the superiors and governors of the Institute was selected in 1641, Virginia retired from administration, working as the humblest sister, doing chores on the grounds and begging for alms for the Institute. Sadly, though the Institute was a success, healing the sick, educating children, training adults, and helping the dissolute return to productive lives, assistance, personal and financial, began to decline. Without the chance to work with Virginia, many of the middle and upper class did not participate, fearing the poor and rough residents. Though her health was failing, Virginia returned to active administrative duties. She worked for general spiritual development throughout the region, working for the choice of the Blessed Virgin Mary as patron of the republic of Genoa in 1637, for the institution of the Forty Hours' Devotion in 1642, and the revival of home missions in 1643. She acted as peacemaker between noble houses, and aided in the reconciliation of Church and Republic authorities in 1647, ending a dispute caused by the government abandoning support of the Institute. Virginia continued working up to the end of her days, and in later years received the gifts of visions and interior locutions. PATRON: Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Cavalry. PRAYER: God, in St Virginia Centurione Bracelli, you have provided us with an example of life long service to the less fortunate among us. Move our hearts with the same compassion as You did hers, so that we too may follow in her footsteps by directing all our efforts in this life to love and service of You in our neighbor. St Virginia Centurione Bracelli, pray for us. Amen.
I do believe tbat because the Feast of St. John of the Cross fell this year on the Third Sunday of Advent, the Discalced Carmelite Order are officially celebrating his feast today. "Since the soul so ardently desires union with the Spouse, and sees that there is no relief nor any means to that end in any creature, she speaks again to faith as that which can most vividly provide light concerning her Beloved and takes it as a means to that end. Indeed there is no other means by which a soul can come to true union with God, as is indicated by Hosea: “I will espouse you to me in faith.’ (Hos 2:22). Then with ardent desire she says to faith: O faith of Christ my spouse! If you would but show forth clearly the truths concerning my Beloved that you have infused into my soul." St. John of the Cross pray for us!
Saint Virginia, another saint I had never heard of before! These women apostolic saints during such huge, huge good works way back then. The Catholic Church nowadays is seen as somehow anti women but it is hard to see how if not through the Church back then they could have done what they did. The Church enabled them to do the most wonderful things. One thing I really am envious of these great workers is that at the Last Judgement they will be able to hold these Wonderful Works up as a defense of their lives. She seems to have been very beautiful?
SAINT OF THE DAY TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER, 2025 SAINT ADELAIDE OF ITALY WIDOW (c.931 - 16 December 999) St. Adelaide was a truly remarkable woman. She was the daughter of the king of Burgundy, and was married to the son of the ruler of Provence as a means of ending a feud. When her husband was murdered by a rival prince, she was shut up in captivity until freed by Otto I, who became Holy Roman Emperor and Adelaide, his Empress. She ruled with her husband until his death, at which time her jealous daughter-in-law had her banished from the court twice! Yet she remained steadfast and faithful, known for her liberality in giving and her piety; and eventually she was restored to court as the regent for her grandson Otto III. She was active in the reforms of the great abbey at Cluny, and reposed in 999. Despite her exalted status, she was a wife and mother, and lived both hard times and good, always faithful to her Lord, and always ready to give generously to those in need. She never took revenge on her political enemies once she gained the regency and it was said that her court was much like a monastery itself in its piety. She is a reminder to me that regardless of how much or how little I may have, my work remains the same. PATRON: abuse victims; brides; empresses; exiles; in-law problems; parenthood; parents of large families; princesses; prisoners; second marriages; step-parents; widows. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me with my family. Fill my heart with love, peace and charity and expel from it all divisive thoughts. Please touch the heart of my in-laws, bring them closer to you through the intercession of Saint Adelaide, so that our family can be whole, united and dedicated to you. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Yet another saint I have never heard of before! She sounds like a Great Patron for Mother in laws. It is so interesting in the lives of the saints a top bad guy turns up , in this case her daughter in law.
SAINT OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2025 SAINT OLYMPIAS WIDOW (368 AD - 25 July 410) St. Olympias was born, to a quite wealthy and noble family. Her father, Secundus (or Selencus) was a “count” of the empire. Her parents died, however, while she was still young, leaving her a huge inheritance. She married a man named Nebridius, Prefect of Constantinople. St. Gregory Nazianzus was one of the guests invited to the wedding, but was unable to attend. He did, however, send a poem to the newlyweds. Nebridius did not live long, and soon Olympias was a childless widow. Being a very pious soul, she devoted her time and energy to serving the Lord and turned down all proposals of marriage. The Bishop of Constantinople, Nectarius, consecrated her as a deaconess. Beside the principle church of Constantinople, she had a convent built where she, three relatives and a large number of maidens withdrew from the community and spent their time consecrated to the service of God. After St. John Chrysostom became Bishop of Constantinople in 398, he acted as spiritual guide to Olympias and her companions in the convent. Since many people knew that Olympias was not only very wealthy but also very generous and kind, people requesting financial assistance often approached her. Knowing this, St. John would council her on how to be a good steward of the money that God had allowed her to have. Olympias seldom made any decisions without the wise advice of St. John and often put at his disposal large amounts of money for religious and charitable objects. So when it happened that St. John Chrysostom was exiled, Olympias offered him much assistance and support. Being totally loyal to him, she refused to enter into communion with his appointed successor, but St. John continued to guide her through his correspondence. Seventeen of these letters survived through the ages and are testimony to the piety of this spiritual daughter of the great bishop. Olympias later was also exiled and met her death soon after the death of St. Chrysostom. It matters not how wealthy one is or even how wise, but how we use what the Good Lord has given us. One could have untold millions, but if one does not know God and lives life squandering money on fanciful things and storing up goods for oneself and ignoring the needs of others, then one has lived in vain. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” Saint Olympias lived these words. She was truly a good steward of the riches that the Lord gave her, helping others in need and living her life in consecration to His service. PRAYER: Father in heaven, we thank you for your goodness and generosity. You give each of us different gifts. We pray that we will be good stewards of the gifts that you have bestowed on us. Like the council that St. John gave to Olympias, we ask for spiritual guidance also, Father, that we will know Your will for us and how to use our gifts in service of others. We pray that we always remember that what we have is to be extended, not hoarded for ourselves, whether it be our riches, our time or our talent; for what you have given to us is not ours alone, but to be shared with others. Amen.
So many women saints at the moment. It strikes me so many of these were really strong powerful woman of action. Formidable indeed. I look forward to meeting them all in heaven. I see she is on the colonade at St Peter's!
SAINT OF THE DAY THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER, 2025 SAINT WINEBALD ABBOT AND CONFESSOR (701 AD - 18 December 761) Winebald is one of those amazing English missionaries who evangelized Europe, leaving behind a flourishing Catholicism and a number of monasteries and laying the beginnings of Christianity in what is now Germany, France, Holland, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. St. Winebald was the son of a West Saxon nobleman, St. Richard, and the brother of St. Willibald. With his father and brother he made a pilgrimage to Rome in 721. His father died in Italy, and Winebald remained in Rome for further study, like his countrymen before him, St. Wilfrid and St. Benedict Biscop. He returned to England and brought back to Rome some of his relatives to begin a monastic life in the holy city. When St. Boniface came to Rome in 739, he recruited Winebald for the German missions, ordained him a priest, and put him in charge of churches in Germany and Bavaria. His brother, Willibald, who was now bishop of Eichstatt, asked Winebald to found a monastery for the training of priests and as a center of learning. Their sister, St. Walburga, came from England to found a convent, and both the monastery and the convent were founded at Heidenheim. He established the rule of St. Benedict in his monastery, and Heidenheim became an important center of learning in the missionary territory. Because of illness, Winebald was not able to carry on the missionary work that he desired and yearned to end his days at Monte Cassino. In 761, Winebald visited St. Boniface's shrine at Fulda and on the way home to Heidenheim became very sick. When he reached Heidenheim, he became weaker and weaker and after giving his monks a few last words he died on December 18, 761. His tomb became a local shrine and the site of pilgrimages. PATRON: construction workers, engaged couples. St. Winebald: Pray for us!
It's amazing when you think of these saints back in the day in times of huge pagan darkness blazed like stars in the World around them. Now we live in a World far worse than then .A World that has rejected Christ and so has launched itself into a blackness a thousand times worse than then. A Satanic World where even the Church itself, the False Synodal Church of Satan , the Ape of the Church is in the ascendancy. But look at the Saints, the huge, huge humble saints, The little ones rising amongst us. Most especially the young ones. It is looking like a new Spring. Their little flowers blooming amidst the cold snows of evil and deceit. Not all the lies in the World can choke them. What a joy. God is made so very wonderful in His saints.
