Why pray the Rosary every day for a year?


Each time the Blessed Virgin has appeared-- whether it be to Saint Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes; to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco at Fatima; or to Mariette Beco at Banneux-- she has asserted the importance, saving grace, and power of praying the Holy Rosary on a daily basis. Based upon her words, the Rosary is penance and conversion for sinners, a pathway to peace, an end to war, and a powerful act of faith in Jesus Christ. Pope Paul VI presented the Rosary as a powerful means to reach Christ "not merely with Mary but indeed, insofar as this is possible to us, in the same way as Mary, who is certainly the one who thought about Him more than anyone else has ever done."

To show us how this is done, perhaps no one has been more eloquent than the great Cardinal Newman, who wrote: "The great power of the Rosary consists in the fact that it translates the Creed into Prayer. Of course, the Creed is already in a certain sense a prayer and a great act of homage towards God, but the Rosary brings us to meditate again on the great truth of His life and death, and brings this truth close to our hearts. Even Christians, although they know God, usually fear rather than love Him. The strength of the Rosary lies in the particular manner in which it considers these mysteries, since all our thinking about Christ is intertwined with the thought of His Mother, in the relations between Mother and Son; the Holy Family is presented to us, the home in which God lived His infinite love."

As Mary said at Fatima, "Jesus wants to use you to make Me known and loved. He wishes to establish the devotion to My Immaculate Heart throughout the world. I promise salvation to whoever embraces it; these souls will be dear to God, like flowers put by Me to adorn his throne."



Saint Blandina and the Martyrs of Lyon

Posted by Jacob


Today, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Blandina (162-177) and the martyrs of Lyons, France.  As described in the Roman Martyrology: “At Lyons in Gaul, the holy martyrs Pothinus, bishop, Sanctus, deacon, Vetius Epagathus, Maturus, Ponticus, Biblis, Attalus, Alexander, and Blandina, with many others. Their mighty and repeated contests are confirmed by a letter written from the Church of Lyons to the Churches of Asia and Phrygia, in the reign of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lucius Verus. Among these martyrs was Saint Blandina, who though weaker because of her sex, more feeble in body, and less spirited because of her servile state, underwent more prolonged and sharper trials. However, her courage did not fail, and when her throat was cut, she followed to Heaven the other martyrs whom she had encouraged to victory.”

Saint Blandia was slave to a Christian family, caring for the young girls of the household.  Having witnessed the Gospel from the family she worked for, Blandina converted to Christianity, despite the violent oppression and persecution of Christians at the hands of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.  During his reign, the fanaticism of the occupants of Lyon had been fanned like flames, and many harassed and mistreated their Christian neighbors, identifying them to the authorities, and handing them over to the Roman governor of the region.  Among those identified were Saint Pothinus (also celebrated today), the bishop of Lyons, Saint Irenaeus (a priest who had been sent to Lyons by Saint Polycarp), and Saint Blandina.

The accused were imprisoned, and left to starve for some time, prior to being brought before the imperial legate.  All those imprisoned, including Blandina’s Christian mistress, feared for her life, as she was of slight frame, frail, and of gentle spirit.  Knowing that torture was to be their lot, they encouraged her to recant her faith, so as to save herself, but she refused.  In the end, Saint Blandina withstood the most horrific and painful of tortures with joy, all the while offering encouragement to her companions.  It is said that her executioners eventually became exhausted from their efforts, and grew to respect her quiet courage and steadfast response to every question or accusation levied against her: "I am a Christian, and we commit no wrongdoing."

Saint Blandina and her companions were accused of cannibalism, a twisted interpretation of the practice of receiving the Eucharist. The legate, wishing to extract confessions from the accused, continued to offer new and barbaric tortures, eventually beheading those of Roman citizenship (as per the emperor’s decree).  However, those who were not citizens, including Blandina, could continue to be tortured. 



Saint Blandina was taken to the town’s amphitheater, known as the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls, at the time of the town’s public games.  She was tied to a rough stake and wild beasts were set upon her.  However, they did not touch her, and rather laid at her feet. She was left for several days, with the animals loose beside her, but they never harmed or attacked her.  During this time, she was forced to watch her companions tortured and killed, the last among them her younger brother.  As the last of the martyrs, she was scourged, burned upon a hot grate over coals, bound in a net and thrown before a wild steer who trampled her.  Following these tortures, Saint Blandina was killed with a dagger, ending her suffering, and earning her the crown of martyrdom.

Her mangled body was placed on display for six days, and following this indignity, was thrown into the Tiber River so as to prevent local Christians from burying it.  Miraculously, however, her relics were delivered by the Lord to the faithful for enshrinement, and were interred in a local church.

Saint Eusebius recorded a letter, sent by some Christian survivors in Lyons.  In this letter, it was written: 

"But the whole wrath of the populace, and governor, and soldiers was aroused exceedingly against Sanctus, the deacon from Vienne, and Maturus, a late convert, yet a noble combatant, and against Attalus, a native of Pergamos where he had always been a pillar and foundation, and Blandina, through whom Christ showed that things which appear mean and obscure and despicable to men are with God of great glory, through love toward him manifested in power, and not boasting in appearance. For while we all trembled, and her earthly mistress, who was herself also one of the witnesses, feared that on account of the weakness of her body, she would be unable to make bold confession, Blandina was filled with such power as to be delivered and raised above those who were torturing her by turns from morning till evening in every manner, so that they acknowledged that they were conquered, and could do nothing more to her. And they were astonished at her endurance, as her entire body was mangled and broken; and they testified that one of these forms of torture was sufficient to destroy life, not to speak of so many and so great sufferings. But the blessed woman, like a noble athlete, renewed her strength in her confession; and her comfort and recreation and relief from the pain of her sufferings was in exclaiming, 'I am a Christian, and there is nothing vile done by us.'

Maturus, therefore, and Sanctus and Blandina and Attalus were led to the amphitheatre to be exposed to the wild beasts, and to give to the heathen public a spectacle of cruelty, a day for fighting with wild beasts being specially appointed on account of our people. Both Maturus and Sanctus passed again through every torment in the amphitheatre, as if they had suffered nothing before, or rather, as if, having already conquered their antagonist in many contests, they were now striving for the crown itself. They endured again the customary running of the gauntlet and the violence of the wild beasts, and everything which the furious people called for or desired, and at last, the iron chair in which their bodies being roasted, tormented them with the fumes. And not with this did the persecutors cease, but were yet more mad against them, determined to overcome their patience. But even thus they did not hear a word from Sanctus except the confession which he had uttered from the beginning. These, then, after their life had continued for a long time through the great conflict, were at last sacrificed, having been made throughout that day a spectacle to the world, in place of the usual variety of combats.

But Blandina was suspended on a stake, and exposed to be devoured by the wild beasts who should attack her. And because she appeared as if hanging on a cross, and because of her earnest prayers, she inspired the combatants with great zeal. For they looked on her in her conflict, and beheld with their outward eyes, in the form of their sister, him who was crucified for them, that he might persuade those who believe on him, that every one who suffers for the glory of Christ has fellowship always with the living God. As none of the wild beasts at that time touched her, she was taken down from the stake, and cast again into prison. She was preserved thus for another contest, that, being victorious in more conflicts, she might make the punishment of the crooked serpent irrevocable; and, though small and weak and despised, yet clothed with Christ the mighty and conquering Athlete, she might arouse the zeal of the brethren, and, having overcome the adversary many times might receive, through her conflict, the crown incorruptible.

After all these, on the last day of the contests, Blandina was again brought in, with Ponticus, a boy about fifteen years old. They had been brought every day to witness the sufferings of the others, and had been pressed to swear by the idols. But because they remained steadfast and despised them, the multitude became furious, so that they had no compassion for the youth of the boy nor respect for the sex of the woman. Therefore they exposed them to all the terrible sufferings and took them through the entire round of torture, repeatedly urging them to swear, but being unable to effect this; for Ponticus, encouraged by his sister so that even the heathen could see that she was confirming and strengthening him, having nobly endured every torture, gave up the ghost. But the blessed Blandina, last of all, having, as a noble mother, encouraged her children and sent them before her victorious to the King, endured herself all their conflicts and hastened after them, glad and rejoicing in her departure as if called to a marriage supper, rather than east to wild beasts. And, after the scourging, after the wild beasts, after the roasting seat, she was finally enclosed in a net, and thrown before a bull. And having been tossed about by the animal, but feeling none of the things which were happening to her, on account of her hope and firm hold upon what had been entrusted to her, and her communion with Christ, she also was sacrificed. And the heathen themselves confessed that never among them had a woman endured so many and such terrible tortures. 
But not even thus was their madness and cruelty toward the saints satisfied. For incited by the Wild Beast, wild and barbarous tribes were not easily appeased, and their violence found another peculiar opportunity in the dead bodies. For, through their lack of manly reason, the fact that they had been conquered did not put them to shame, but rather the more enkindled their wrath as that of a wild beast, and aroused alike the hatred of governor and people to treat us unjustly; that the Scripture might be fulfilled: 'He that is lawless, let him be lawless still, and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.' For they cast to the dogs those who had died of suffocation in the prison, carefully guarding them by night and day, lest any one should be buried by us. And they exposed the remains left by the wild beasts and by fire, mangled and charred, and placed the heads of the others by their bodies, and guarded them in like manner from burial by a watch of soldiers for many days. And some raged and gnashed their teeth against them, desiring to execute more severe vengeance upon them; but others laughed and mocked at them, magnifying their own idols, and imputed to them the punishment of the Christians. Even the more reasonable, and those who had seemed to sympathise somewhat, reproached them often, saying, 'Where is their God, and what has their religion, which they have chosen rather than life, profited them?' So various was their conduct toward us; but we were in deep affliction because we could not bury the bodies. For neither did night avail us for this purpose, nor did money persuade, nor entreaty move to compassion; but they kept watch in every way, as if the prevention of the burial would be of some great advantage to them.
The bodies of the martyrs, having thus in every manner been exhibited and exposed for six days, were afterward burned and reduced to ashes, and swept into the Rhone by the wicked men, so that no trace of them might appear on the earth. And this they did, as if able to conquer God, and prevent their new birth; 'that,' as they said, 'they may have no hope of a resurrection, through trust in which they bring to us this foreign and new religion, and despise terrible things, and are ready even to go to death with joy. Now let us see if they will rise again, and if their God is able to help them, and to deliver them out of our hands.'"











Amphitheater at Lyon.  The pillar visible is a memorial to the Martyrs of Lyon.

Relics of Saint Blandina




The life and courage of Saint Blandina and the Martyrs of Lyon inspire us today to gladly and profoundly profess our faith.  We pray today for the courage and strength to live our Gospel lives for the world, never shying away from the truth of Jesus Christ, and His message of peace, hope, and love.

A Prayer for Strength and Courage

My Lord God, through whom strength is made perfect in weakness, 
I pray to you, give me the strength I need.
You have said, that to your children who have no might, you will increase strength. 
I am weak. Bless me with a measure of strength, as may be sufficient for me.
When I am tempted by evil, deliver me, by granting me the power to overcome it. 
When my daily work is too hard for me, give me the strength to be able to do it.
If my burden oppresses me beyond my bearing, lighten my load, that my strength may be equal to it.
You have helped many, I beg you to help me.
Thank you my Lord. Amen. 

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December 20: Saint Dominic of Silos

Posted by Jacob

Today, December 20, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Dominic of Silos (1000-1073), the saint whom the other Saint Dominic—founder of the Dominican Order, the Order of Preachers—was named after. According to Dominican tradition, Saint Dominic of Silos appeared to Blessed Joan of Aza, the mother of Saint Dominic, who then made a pilgrimage to his shrine while pregnant, selecting him as the namesake of her soon-to-be-born son.  Due to his sanctity and model life, Saint Dominic is frequently depicted enthroned, surrounded by the seven virtues of the Church.


Dominic of Silos was born in Navarre, Spain, a shepherding town in the Pyrenees. As a young boy and man, he served his father’s flocks as a shepherd, relishing the solitude of the shepherding life, and spending his days in quiet contemplation and prayer. He undertook his own studies, as few teachers were present, with the exception of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, drawn to the Lord, he entered the monastery of San Millan de la Cogolla as a monk. Recognized for his piety and sanctity, Dominic soon thereafter became the prior of the monastery. While serving as prior, Saint Dominic was drawn into a disagreement with the king of Navarre, who insisted that the monastery’s possessions were rightfully his. Dominic disagreed, and for his trouble was exiled. He, with his monks, traveled to Castille, and were appointed at the monastery of Saint Sebastian at Silos. It was due to his long-term service at Silos that Saint Dominic received his referential name.

Upon arrival, it became clear that the monastery at Silos was neglected and in disrepair—both physically and spiritually. The buildings were falling down around the brothers who labored there. During the first Mass offered following Dominic’s arrival, when the celebrant turned towards the people at the Offertory to chant: Dominus vobiscum, he said instead: "Behold, the restorer cometh!" and the choir responded: "It is the Lord who has sent him!" The prophetic words were soon fulfilled as Saint Dominic immediately undertook to restore the monastery to its former state, in the process reforming the lives and practices of the monks who resided there. Dominic preserved the Mozarbic Rite (one of the early variants of the Latin Rite) at the monastery at Silos. He further preserved the Visigothic script of ancient Spain, with the monastery becoming a center of learning and liturgy. Saint Dominic was further recognized for his charity, and became renowned in the region for miraculous cures of the sick, blind, and lame.

Dominic served as prior of the monastery at Silos for many years, filling his days with good works, miraculous cures, prayer, and ransom of captives. After many years, this holy man was advised of his imminent death by the Blessed Virgin. He recounted to his brothers the next day: “I spent the night near the Queen of Angels. She has invited me to come in three days where She is; therefore I am soon going to the celestial banquet to which She invites me.” Soon thereafter, he fell ill for three days, and subsequently peacefully perished. Those present reported observing his visible soul rise to heaven.

Saint Dominic of Silos didn’t take no for an answer. As a child, when there was no one to teach him, he taught himself through the grace of God and the gifts of the spirit. When he was forcibly driven from the monastery he had made his home, he simply found another one—and in assuming leadership, transformed the crumbling spiritual structure into a center of praise, learning, and glory for the Lord. All too often, we give up in our lives when things get difficult, or don’t go exactly as we planned. Saint Dominic of Silos never gave up. Every effort, every part of his being, lived to serve and glorify the Lord. While he performed many miracles of healing, this focused attitude of love and service, and transformation of not only monasteries, but souls, may be the far more important miracle of his life!


Year 2: Day 354 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Lives focused on the Lord; Perseverance in serving God.
Requested Intentions: Healing (M); Safety, security, and sanctity for a family (A); Healing (N); Successful relationship (N); Healing of a friend; growth in the Lord (M); To hear and answer the Lord’s call (M); Healing of a friend undergoing chemotherapy (L); For the peace, safety, and holiness of a sister (J); Financial security (C); Conversion of a newly married couple (M); Peace in a family (S); Peaceful repose of departed mother (J); Blessings on a relationship (J); Financial security, successful employment (J); Obedience to God’s will (A); Conversion of souls (A); Success of business venture; faith of daughter (S); Safe return home (J); Recovery of mother and son; repose of the souls of the dearly departed (A); Blessings upon a relationship (M); Sobriety and recovery for a son (M); Employment and successful marriage (A); Employment, healing, freedom from anxiety (T); Financial security (C); Conversion (T); Peace in difficult times at work (E); Financial security and blessings for mother and children (T); Financial security for a mother (M); Health, finances, successful marriage (A); Successful resolution of court case for son (K); Continued sobriety (N); Healing of a chronic health condition (B); Successful employment (A): Peace in a family, recovery of a niece from substance use (L); Blessings on a marriage, healing of a husband (P); For the health and recovery of sisters (B); For a daughter and granddaughter (D); Blessings on overseas employment (M); Healing of mother (L).

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December 16: Blessed Honoratus Kozminski

Posted by Jacob

Today, December 16, we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Honoratus Kozminski (1829-1916), preacher, confessor, and comforter of prisoners. Brother Honoratus is a model of courage, faith, and obedience.


Born Wencesalo Kozminski in Biala Podlaska, Poland, this holy man was raised in a Christian family. Not especially pious, Wencesalo was at first educated at home, later completed his primary schooling in Plock, and then traveled to Warsaw where he attended the College of Fine Arts in pursuit of an architecture degree. Influenced by political events of the time, Wencesalo experienced a “crisis of faith,” during which time he left the Church. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested and jailed on suspicion of rebellious political affiliations. During his nearly one year of imprisonment, he contracted Typhus, and was unlikely to survive. It was in captivity, sick with fever, that Wencesalo turned back to the Lord.

Upon release from jail, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Warsaw, completing his novitiate in Lubartow, and taking the name Honoratus. Ordained a priest, he dedicated himself to an intense pastoral care and founded over 26 religious institutes, 18 of which exist today. He preached devotion to Our Blessed Mother to all who would listen, especially as the Polish church attempted to separate from Rome.

Brother Honoratus fought against the power that he wanted to pull the Tsarist Polish church from Rome. His order was banned from the country, but he continued to act as the commissioner general of the Capuchins. Honoratus continued to train novices, spread the Gospel, teach Christian values and virtues, and practice the rules of the Third Order. He formed many congregations and institutes, most of which lived according to the rules of the Order, but without living in monasteries or wearing the habit. This “underground” community found their faith in ordinary life, hidden from the authorities, but very much alive in the spirit of Christ!

In 1906, various local bishops sought the reorganization of the 26 congregations founded by Brother Honoratus, having received papal approval, under their authority. Honoratus eloquently defended their independence, but was removed from their direction in 1908. Rather than complain, he promptly urged the members of these congregations to obey the Church’s decisions regarding their future. He said: “Christ’s Vicar himself has revealed God’s will to us, and I carry out this order with greatest faith.... Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that you are being given the opportunity to show heroic obedience to the holy Church.”

A prolific writer and spiritual director, Brother Honoratus was sought out in the confessional. He spent hours each day hearing confessions until his health prevented him from continuing this practice, and hand wrote over 4,000 letters to those he directed, offering spiritual guidance and encouragement. These letters are preserved in the archives of Warsaw, along with numerous sermons, a spiritual diary, and the “encyclopedia of Mary” he penned.

Blessed Honoratus died in Nowe Miasto in 1916, where his body rests. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in October 1988. In briefly reviewing his life, we find in Brother Honoratus a man caught up in political struggles—many of which endangered his life. When confronted with an obstacle to practicing his faith, he found another way to live and preach the Christian life. When the world handed him disheartening news, he reacted with joy in obedience. In this holy man, we find a indomitable spirit of perseverance and love for the Lord—a message we could all take a lesson from!

A Prayer for the Virtue of Obedience

Jesus, Almighty King of kings, You Who obeyed Your Father to the end, Teach me the meaning of obedience. My soul burns to comply to Your Will, Striving to charm Your Divinity. While my worldly nature seeks one way, My spiritual nature seeks another. Bless me with the strength to obey, That my soul may subdue both natures, Blending them as a fair aromatic bloom. I always seek favour in Your eyes, To always obey You until my last breath!




Year 2: Day 350 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Obedience; Perseverance.
Requested Intentions: Financial security, successful employment (J); Obedience to God’s will (A); Conversion of souls (A); Success of business venture; faith of daughter (S); Safe return home (J); Recovery of mother and son; repose of the souls of the dearly departed (A); Blessings upon a relationship (M); Sobriety and recovery for a son (M); Employment and successful marriage (A); Employment, healing, freedom from anxiety (T); Financial security (C); Conversion (T); Peace in difficult times at work (E); Financial security and blessings for mother and children (T); Financial security for a mother (M); Health, finances, successful marriage (A); Successful resolution of court case for son (K); Continued sobriety (N); Healing of a chronic health condition (B); Successful employment (A): Peace in a family, recovery of a niece from substance use (L); Blessings on a marriage, healing of a husband (P); For the health and recovery of sisters (B); For a daughter and granddaughter (D); Blessings on overseas employment (M); Healing of mother (L).

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October 3: Saint Mother Théodore Guérin

Posted by Jacob

Today, October 3, we celebrate the feast of Saint Mother Théodore Guérin (1798-1856), foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located in Indiana. Saint Théodore is a visionary, a model of virtue, and a source of inspiration and hope. Trust in God’s Providence enabled her to leave her homeland, sail halfway around the world and to found a new religious congregation. During his homily at the beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II said that Blessed Mother Théodore “continues to teach Christians to abandon themselves to the providence of our heavenly Father and to be totally committed to doing what pleases him. The life of Blessed Théodore Guérin is a testimony that everything is possible with God and for God.”


Mother Théodore Guérin was born Anne-Thérése Guérin in Brittany, France. Her parents consecrated her to the Blessed Virgin at birth, and from birth until age 10 only dressed her in Mary’s colors of blue and white. Her father was murdered when Anne-Thérése was approximately 15, and for several years, she cared for her mother and younger sister, as well as the family’s home and garden. From an early age, she demonstrated great piety and desire to enter the religious life. Allowed to make her First Communion at age 10, she proudly told the priest that she would one day become a nun. Herself, quite sick a s child, Anne-Thérése was treated for her chronic illness, and was left with permanent damage to her digestive system, which would cause her great suffering throughout her life. At the age of 25, was given permission by her mother to enter the convent of the Sisters of Providence at Ruillé-sur-Loir, France. She took the name of Saint Theodore, and after making her final vows, began teaching, where she received several honors for both her educational endeavors and her commitment to ministering to the sick.

In 1840, Sister Théodore was sent, along with five other sisters, to the United States. Their mission, which they undertook in Indiana, was to establish a congregation of women religious in a remote, densely wooded area. Known as “Saint Mary-of-the-Woods,” this community was opened less than nine months after their arrival, becoming the first Catholic women’s liberal arts college in the United States. Only upon arrival did she learn that her French superiors had already decided the sisters in the United States should form a new religious congregation under her leadership.

Sister Théodore was elected Abbess of the new community, and led her sisters with patience and humility, although stressed the importance of hard work and discipline. The holy women persevered despite fires, crop failures, prejudice against Catholic women religious, misunderstandings and separation from their original religious congregation. She once told her sisters, “Have confidence in the Providence that so far has never failed us. The way is not yet clear. Grope along slowly. Do not press matters; be patient, be trustful.” She frequently asked her sisters, “With Jesus, what shall we have to fear?”

Under her leadership, the community grew quickly, and additional schools were soon established at Jasper, Vincennes, Montgomery, Madison, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, Evansville, North Madison, Lanesville and Columbus (Indiana), and Saint (Illinois). Eventually the community expanded to Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The sisters further founded orphanages for both boys and girls, established pharmacies were medicines were given to the needy, and built a motherhouse of the new Sisters of Providence order.

Despite her work ethic, patience, and serenity, Mother Théodore suffered patiently from illness most of her life. She was reduced to eating only soft foods, or liquids, which was taxing on her strength. Eventually, after an industrious life, her illness overtook her, and she died on May 14, 1856. Her remains rest in a tomb under the floor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. A Celtic cross in Mother Theodore's memory stands prominently in the Congregation's cemetery bearing an inscription that reads "I sleep, but my heart watches over this house which I have built."

Mother Théodore’s holiness was evident to people who knew her, and many described her simply as “saintly.” She possessed the ability to draw out the best in people, to enable them to attain more than they thought possible. Mother Théodore’s love was one of her great hallmarks. She loved God, God’s people, the Sisters of Providence, the Roman Catholic Church and the people she served. She did not exclude anyone from her ministries or her prayers, for she dedicated her life to helping people know God and live better lives.

From the canonization homily of Saint Mother Théodore Guérin, delivered by Pope Benedict XVI:

“’Go, sell everything you own, and give the money to the poor… then come, follow me.’ These words have inspired countless Christians throughout the history of the Church to follow Christ in a life of radical poverty, trusting in Divine Providence. Among these generous disciples of Christ was a young Frenchwoman, who responded unreservedly to the call of the divine Teacher. Mother Théodore Guérin entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence in 1823, and she devoted herself to the work of teaching in schools. Then, in 1839, she was asked by her Superiors to travel to the United States to become the head of a new community in Indiana. After their long journey over land and sea, the group of six Sisters arrived at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. There they found a simple log-cabin chapel in the heart of the forest. They knelt down before the Blessed Sacrament and gave thanks, asking God’s guidance upon the new foundation. With great trust in Divine Providence, Mother Théodore overcame many challenges and persevered in the work that the Lord had called her to do. By the time of her death in 1856, the Sisters were running schools and orphanages throughout the State of Indiana. In her own words, “How much good has been accomplished by the Sisters of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! How much more good they will be able to do if they remain faithful to their holy vocation!”. Mother Théodore Guérin is a beautiful spiritual figure and a model of the Christian life. She was always open for the missions the Church entrusted to her, and she found the strength and the boldness to put them [the missions] into practice in the Eucharist, in prayer and in an infinite trust in Divine Providence. Her inner strength moved her to address particular attention to the poor, and above all to children.”



Selected Quotations of Saint Mother Théodore Guérin:

"What strength the soul draws from prayer! In the midst of a storm, how sweet is the calm it finds in the heart of Jesus."


"Put yourself gently into the hands of Providence."


"With Jesus, what shall we have to fear?"


"In all and everywhere may the will of God be done."



Jesus, source of truth and life, who taught the world the way of salvation, grant us the help we humbly ask through your faithful servant Saint Mother Théodore Guérin , who spent all her life to make you known and loved. May this grace be consolation for us and may it unite us ever more to you and to one another in life and in eternity. Amen. (With Ecclesiastical Approval)


Saint Mother Théodore Guérin , valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Implore for us through Jesus the gifts of living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service with others we may aid in promoting the Providence of God among all peoples. Saint Mother Théodore Guérin , pray for us. Amen.


Year 2: Day 276 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Perseverance in serving the Lord; Love for all.
Requested Intentions: Healing of a chronic illness (P); Safety of a family during storms (A); Successful home ownership (P); Healing of a marriage (M); Employment for a husband, blessings for a marriage (E); Successful examinations for a daughter, healing of a relationships (V); Blessing for a family (V); Healing of baby girl M and all children suffering (M); Special intentions (R); Business success, peace, health (E); Conversion and deliverance of those who suffer, increase in vocations (M); Financial security and safe housing (M); For a daughter (K); Conversion of a family, deliverance of the souls in Purgatory (S); Successful marriage (A); Health, safety, grace, success of a building project (A); Successful treatment and recovery from cancer (D); Clear speech for a child (C); Conversion of a family (A); Successful employment (S); For the healing of impaired vision (F); For a couple experiencing difficulties (L); Successful employment after finishing college (M); Mother’s health (A); Financial security, freedom from anxiety (S); For a son and cousins (L); Peace and civility (B); Successful examination results (D); Safety of family, strength, courage, wisdom (C); For the souls of a departed father and brother, finding of a suitable marriage partner (R); Successful pilgrimage, deepening of prayer life (R); Restoration of health (J); Restoration of health (S); Freedom from pride (A); For children and marriage (M); For the birth of a healthy baby (Y); For personal family intentions, for the sick, poor, hungry, and homeless (G).

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August 13: Saint Radegunde of Poitiers

Posted by Jacob

Today, August 13, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Radegunde of Poitiers (also known as Saint Radegunda, Radegundis, Radegonde, 518-587), deacon, queen, minister to the sick and poor, founder of the Holy Cross convent, and servant of the Lord. Such was her miraculous life that her biographer, Venantius Fortunatus, ended her life-story with the following words: “But let this small sample of the blessed one's miracles suffice, lest their very abundance arouse contempt. And even this should in no way be reckoned a small amount, since from these few tales we may recognize in the miracles the greatness with which she lived in such piety and self-denial, affection and affibility, humility and honor, faith and fervor, with the result that after her death wonders also ensued upon her glorious passing.”


Radegunde was born in Thuringia, the fertile area located between the Rhine and Elbe rivers in modern-day Germany. Born into a noble family (her father was one of the three kings of Thuringia), she found herself caught up in the bloody and unpredictable acts of war and treason. While just a small girl, her uncle killed her father, ceasing control of the region. Not long after, Clothaire, the king of the Franks, conquered the area in a bloody invasion, killing the members of the royal family, but keeping Radegunde and her brother alive. She was to become his fourth wife, and legitimize his claim to the region.

Radegunde was opposed to marriage, as she preferred to maintain her virginity in pledge to the Lord. Given no choice but to marry the king, she did as instructed (at age 22), but refused intimacy and bore him no children. Rather, she led an austere, pious, and devout life, practicing mortifications and penance, and spending her days in prayer and contemplation. The people of Thuringia looked upon her as a holy nun, rather than a worldly queen. In return, Radegunde founded hospitals, hospices, and charitable foundations to aid the poor, sick, homeless, and hungry.

After she had lived in the court of Clothaire for 10 years, he had her brother murdered, as he might grow to challenge the king’s rule. Radegunde fled the court in fear and disgust, and took sanctuary at a church in Noyon, where she eventually became ordained a deacon. She then fled the regions controlled by her irate husband, settling in Poitiers. Clothaire was not to be dissuaded, and attempted several times to recapture his wife, but she now was protected by the Church, and following a request from the Bishop of Paris, Clothaire gave up his efforts and begged the queen’s pardon.

For her part, Radegunde used her time in exile to serve the Lord. She founded the Convent of Our Lady of Poitiers, a cloistered convent which prevented the nuns from leaving the convent following their holy orders. The rule of the convent further required that the cloistered sisters be able to read and write, and that they devote several hours of the day to reading the scriptures and copying manuscripts, as well as to such traditionally female tasks as weaving and needlework. The community grew to nearly two hundred sisters, many of which came from the noble classes. Not long afterwards, a monastery for monks, abiding by a similar rule, was established.

From the letter Radegunde wrote and sent to her local bishops, regarding her construction of the convent and the order which the nuns and monks would follows. She also made several requests to ensure the longevity of the community following her death:

“Some time ago, when I found myself freed from earthly cares, with Divine Providence and with God's grace to inspire me, I turned of my own volition, under Christ's guidance, to the religious life. I asked myself, with all the ardor of which I am capable, how I could best forward the cause of other women, and how, if our Lord so willed, my own personal desires might be of advantage to my sisters.


Here in the town of Poitiers I founded a convent for nuns.... For the community which, with Christ to help me, I had myself assembled, I accepted the Rule in accordance with which Saint Caesaria had lived.... I appointed as Mother Superior the Lady Agnes, who became like a sister to me, and whom I have loved and brought up as if she were my daughter from her childhood onwards.... The other nuns and I followed the example of the Apostles in making over to her by deed whatever earthly property we possessed at the moment we entered the nunnery....


However, since the affairs of human beings are unpredictable, and because our times and our circumstances are always changing, for the world is running to its end and some people now prefer to follow their own desires rather than the dictates of God, while I am still alive, and in full devotion, in Christ's name and with God to guide me, I send to you, apostolic fathers, this document in which I have set out all my plans.


I conjure you, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and by the Day of Judgment, just as if I stood before you, to ensure that no tyrant may stand in my way, but that the rightful king may crown my wishes.


If perchance after my death any person whatsoever, either the bishop of this city, or some representative of the king, or any other individual, should attempt, in a spirit of malevolence or by some legal subterfuge, to disturb the community, or to break the Rule, or to appoint any Mother Superior other than Agnes...;


---or if the community should rise in revolt, which is surely impossible, and wish to make a change;


---or if any person, possible even the bishop of the diocese, should wish to claim, by some newfangled privilege, jurisdiction of any sort over the nunnery, or over the property of the nunnery, beyond that which earlier bishops, or anyone else, have exercised during my lifetime;


---or if any nun shall wish to break the Rule and go out into the world;


---or if any prince, or bishop, or person in power, or even individuals from among the nuns themselves, shall attempt with sacrilegious intent to diminish or to appropriate to his or her own personal possession any part or parcel of the property which our most noble Lothar and the most glorious kings his sons have bestowed upon me...,


may that person incur the wrath of God and that of your holiness and of all those who succeed you, and may all such persons be shut off from your grace as robbers and despoilers of the poor....


You, too, saintly Bishop, and those who come after you, whom I hasten to appoint as my patrons in God's cause, if any be found who shall try to act contrary to these my dispositions, which God forbid, do not be slow to make your appeal to the king who at that time shall rule over this place, or to the city of Poitiers, on behalf of this institution which is commended to your care before the Lord; and do not shrink from the vital labor of pursuing and defending the ends of justice: for only thus will you repel and confute the Enemy of God.


No Catholic king shall brook in any wise such infamy in his time, nor shall they permit to be torn down what has been builded up, by God's will and by my own intent and by the wishes of the several kings....


Just as the Apostle John fulfilled our Lord's request, so may you fulfill all that which, humble and unworthy though I be, I commend to you, the elders of my Church, my masters and my apostolic fathers. If you keep the trust which I hand on to you, you will be worthy sharers of the example set by Him whose apostolic mandates you perform.”

Once her holy community was established, Saint Radegunde soon began to petition the Byzantine emperor for relics from the Holy Land to sanctify the community. The first petition she sent was for a relic of the Cappadocian martyr, Saint Mamas of Caesarea. The Patriarch of Jerusalem eventually authorized the transfer of the little finger of the saint’s right hand from Jerusalem to Poitiers. The second petition was for a fragment of the cross on which Christ was crucified. In response, the emperor sent not only a large piece of wood from the cross, but also some gospel books studded with gold and gems.

Following the acquisition of these relics, Radegunde had the convent renamed the Abbey of the Holy Cross, and it became the destination of pilgrimages.

Once she was content with the organization and operations of the community, Saint Radegunde spent her remaining days walled in a cell, where she prayed and meditated in constancy. Upon her death, her funeral was conducted by her friend, Saint Gregory of Tours. As the sisters of the community were forbidden to set foot outside the convent, they stood upon its walls, crying in sadness, as Radegunde’s body passed beneath them. After her death, Radegunde’s face is reported to have shone "with a brightness surpassing the beauty of lilies and roses." Numerous miracles have been reported at her intercession.

Saint Radegunde’s life was one of hardship, exile, and difficulty. Through these difficult times, she persevered in her commitment to the Lord, charitable service to those in need, and established a community dedicated to praise and contemplation of the mysteries of the faith. A long and suffering queen, she has been recognized as one of the leading female intellectuals of the Dark Ages. We pray today for the same perseverance and hearts of service as modeled for us by saint Radegunde.



Prayer to obtain Final Perseverance

Eternal Father, I humbly adore Thee, and thank Thee for having created me, and for having redeemed me through Jesus Christ. I thank Thee most sincerely for having made me a Christian, by giving me the true faith, and by adopting me as Thy son, in the sacrament of baptism. I thank Thee for having, after the numberless sins I had committed, waited for my repentance, and for having pardoned (as I humbly hope) all the offences which I have offered to Thee, and for which I am now sincerely sorry, because they have been displeasing to Thee, who art infinite goodness. I thank Thee for having preserved me from so many relapses, of which I would have been guilty if Thou hadst not protected me. But my enemies still continue, and will continue till death, to combat against me, and to endeavor to make me their slave. If Thou dost not constantly guard and succor me with thy aid, I, a miserable creature, shall return to sin, and shall certainly lose Thy grace. I beseech Thee, then, for the love of Jesus Christ, to grant me holy perseverance unto death. Jesus, Thy Son, has promised that Thou wilt grant whatsoever we ask in his name. Through the merits, then, of Jesus Christ, I beg, for myself and for all the just, the grace never again to be separated from Thy love, but to love Thee forever, in time and eternity. Mary, Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me.



Year 2: Day 225 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Perseverance; Hearts of service.
Requested Intentions: For personal family intentions, for the sick, poor, hungry, and homeless (G); Financial security and peace (J); Grace, peace, and obedience to the will of God in a marriage (H); Successful and blessed marriage for sin, freedom from anxiety for husband, spiritual contentedness for family (N); Employment and health for a husband (B); Recovery and health of a mother (J); For a family to grow closer to the Church, salvation for all children (D); Successful employment (L); Successful employment (S); Renewal of faith life (A); Support for an intended marriage, health for friend and aunt (J); Mental health assistance for son (G); Freedom from illness (S); Successful employment (C); Financial assistance and employment (B); For a family’s intentions (T); Successful examination results (B); Healing of a friend with cancer, for all those who help others (B); Healing and love (L); Grace and healing (V); Healing of a heart, consecration of a marriage (M); Health of a family, intentions of apostolate (H); For repentance (J); For a family in trouble (R); Healing, successful relationships for son, financial success (J); Success of a company (L); For a religious society (J); Healing of a husband, strength as a faithful caregiver (D); Healing of a son (T); Financial security, Healing and guidance (M); Healing of a heart and relationship (V); Employment for daughter (J); For a marriage that glorifies the Lord (K); Resolution of family situation, parents’ health (A); Positive results (C); For a son’s employment, faith, and relationships (S).

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March 15: Saint Louise de Marillac

Posted by Jacob

Today, March 15, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Louise de Marillac (1591-1660). Louise was born and raised in Paris, during a time when great social strife had befallen the city. The gap between the rich and poor was ever increasing, with more and more families and children suffering without the basic necessities of living. At that time, nearly one in six citizens would die of poverty-related conditions or diseases. Louise felt drawn to change that, but her road to ministry would be a long one.

Born the illegitimate daughter of Louis de Marillac, Louise never knew her mother was passed away shortly after her birth. Her father graciously raised her, demonstrating great love for her, despite societal opinion. Due to family relations, Louise grew up interacting with members of the aristocracy, specifically the royal court of Queen Marie de Medicis, receiving a formal education and instruction in deportment. When her father remarried, Louise’s new stepmother refused to recognize her, and she was sent to be schooled at the royal monastery of Poissy. The education Louise received was among the finest available at the time, and she demonstrated a keen mind and intellect, especially in practical and organizational tasks. Her intellect was only surpassed by her dedication and commitment.

Upon her father’s death, when Louise was approximately 15 years old, she left the school and took up residence with an elderly religious, who inspired her to consider her own vocation. Louise, who had been quick frail and frequently sick throughout her childhood, applied to the Paris order of Capuchins, but was denied entrance. Confused, and heartbroken, Louise was left without a plan for the next phase of her life. When her family arranged a marriage for her to Antoine Le Gras, a young man with an appointment to the royal court, Louise obeyed their wishes and was wed. The union produced one child, Michel, whom Louise came to love intensely.

Louise put her energies into maintaining a household and being a mother with the same intensity that she had pursued her studies. When her husband fell ill and became bedridden, she spent her days nursing him, and tending to her beloved son, who had also developed medical issues. Through her caretaking, Louise came to love her husband very much, and after a period of year, when she was 32, was devastated by his death. Not knowing where else to turn, Louise looked to God who had been her comfort throughout her life.

Directed by the Lord to that “the time would come when I would be in the position to make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and that I would be in a small community where others would do the same," Louise sought out a new spiritual director, Saint Vincent de Paul. Together, these two pious saints would lastingly change the world.

Under his direction, Louise regulated her own life, creating a Rule of the World, which scheduled her service to others, prayer and contemplative time, and management of household duties. Like with many things in her life, Louise required an outside direction to temper her zeal for service and prayer, lest she damage her own frail health. Louise began a ministry to the poor of Paris, taking four young poor women into her home, and teaching them to serve those in need. These were the first sisters of the Company of the Daughters of Charity, founded when Louise was 44 years old. She instructed her new charges, "Love the poor and honor them as you would honor Christ Himself." Saint Vincent, recognizing her intelligence, ability to get things done, organization, and zeal for service to the Lord encouraged and supported her Daughters of Charity, and extension of his own service organization the Confraternities of Charity. "Your convent," Saint Vincent said to Louise, "will be the house of the sick; your cell, a hired room; your chapel, the parish church; your cloister, the streets of the city or the wards of the hospital."

Saint Louise went on to build and develop over 40 houses of the Company of the Daughters of Charity, throughout Paris, and then extending throughout France. The sisters served the poor and sick, expanding into orphanages, mental institutions, homes for the elderly, prisons, and even battlefields. Saint Louise had such a talent for organization, she revolutionized the way in which religious interacted with hospital staff, creating integrated team approaches which cared for both the physical needs of the patient alongside the spiritual needs. This model continues to be used today.

Saint Louise continued her work and direction of her sisters until the day of her death at age 68. She said to her sisters, “Take good care of the service of the poor. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of our Lord. Pray earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, that she might be your only Mother.” Her incorrupt body lies in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac, Paris.  Her work continues today, as her order and those that came after it, continue their missions of service.

After Louise's death in 1660, one of Louise’s Daughters of Charity found her young granddaughter, tearfully praying at her grandmother's tomb. When asked why she was crying, Louise’s granddaughter expressed concern that the Daughters of Charity would disappear, now that her grandmother was dead. The sister eloquently responded: "When all the poor in the world are no longer poor, when all the hungry are fed, and all the naked clothed, when the sick and the dying, and the abandoned babies, and the orphans, and the outcast, and the lonely and forsaken are all gathered in heaven, until that day, there will always be Daughters of Charity."

Saint Louise de Marillac demonstrates to us that the Lord’s plan is oftentimes unclear to us, and works in His time, not ours. At fifteen, Louise was denied entrance into the religious life because, as the spiritual director of the Capuchins wrote, “God has other designs for you.” And indeed, He did. Only after years of honing her organizational skills, increasing her love for those who suffered, experiencing her own loss after nursing her husband, and deepening her faith, was Louise called upon to serve all in need. Her life of service reminds us that the Lord has a wonderful plan for each of our lives, and we need to be patient for it to unfold. In Saint Louise’s own words: "If you completely entrust everything to the guidance of Divine Providence and love the most holy will of God, this will contribute greatly to your peace of mind and heart. In fact, this is one of the most essential practices I know of for growth into holiness.”






Loving and compassionate God, we celebrate with great joy the faith and works of our patroness St. Louise de Marillac. Instill in us the fire of her love, the tenacity of her belief, and the tenderness of her care for the most abandoned. Draw us together into the light of your presence and help us to trust in the power of your Spirit, leading us to ever closer to you, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.





Year 2: Day 74 of 365

Prayer Intentions: Humble and contrite hearts of repentance.
Requested Intentions: 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); End to suffering for sick brother; reconciliation of estranged family (E); End to husband’s addiction; Improved relationship; strength (M); Successful God-centered marriage; Sacramental life (M); Healing, successful relationship (S); For successful marriage (A); For a husband’s freedom from addiction (C); Freedom from pain and illness for a friend (M); Financial freedom (J); Successful passing of occupational examination (S); Healing and conversion, sale of house (L); Occupational success for employee and colleagues (J); Employment for a son (C); Successful attainment of an important appointed position (J); Recovery from cancer for a friend (Z); For a family’s freedom from sin (M); For a daughter with Diabetes (A); Healing of a father following stroke (S).

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