a year of prayer: 365 Rosaries

On April 10, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Michael de Sanctis (1591-1625, Saint Michael of the Saints). Saint Michael, born and raised in Catalonia, Spain, is a saint who knew what he was called to do from an early age. Unlike many saints we read about, who struggle throughout their youth and only realize their holy call later in life, Michael felt drawn to the holy life even as a child. He announced to his parents at age six his intention to become a monk, and even at that young age modeled his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Sometimes Michael imposed such austerities upon himself and engaged in such extreme mortification that his parents were forced to restrain him!


Saint Michael’s parents died when he was approximately ten years old, and he subsequently lived and apprenticed with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, specifically to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and at age 12, was granted acceptance into the Order of the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona. Michael took his vows at sixteen, embracing the religious life, but after meeting a member of the reformed (discalced) Trinitarian Order, he asked permission to join this reformed and more austere Order. His request was granted, and Michael went on to be ordained a priest, serving as the Superior of the house. While Superior, Michael set a high standard of holiness for the Order, stressing austerity and self-sacrifice, as well as devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

While he was alive, his brothers viewed him as a saint, given his holy ways, leadership, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and the frequent ecstasies he experienced during the Consecration. He is noted in the Roman Martyrology as "remarkable for innocence of life, wonderful penitence, and love for God." Outside of the monastery, his preaching was recognized for its holiness, and the nearby royal court called upon him for spiritual and pastoral counseling.

Saint Michael de Sanctis died at the young age of 35, and multiple miracles were attributed to him at his tomb following his death. He is remembered for his mysticism, and practical and intimate love for the Lord.

Saint Michael demonstrated from a young age a love and yearning for God that was not to be swayed. His devotion to the Lord led him to commit his life in service and austerity, and he was rewarded with ecstatic experiences of our God during the Consecration in Mass. He never lost his direction, even in a world full of distractions and temptations. For those of us struggling to find our way in a difficult world, Saint Michael de Sanctis is worthy of our aspirations, and we pray that he may advocate for us in heaven with our Lord!


Year 2: Day 100 of 365

Prayer Intentions: Guidance in our lives; Unwavering focus on the Lord.

Requested Intentions: Financial ability to send children to school (S); Safe return of a runaway (J); Healing of a family (J); Reconciliation of marriage (S); Healing of a daughter with congenital heart disease (F); Healing and an end to suffering (J); For the children (M); For a son fighting a rare immune system disease (R); Freedom from imprisonment (J); Employment and end to depression (H); Successful employment (A); Health for a soon to be delivered baby (T); Financial security (L); Healing of tooth pain (A); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Purification of the souls in Purgatory (A); Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).