Youth Ministry @ SMDY

Do you have any brothers and sisters?  Do you have a good relationship?  Do you think you could have a better relationship if both of you had a deeper relationship with God?  See the story of St. Scholastica and you will find that when you allow God into your whole life, deeper relationships can form.  http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1287

source of image:  http://www.tucsonmonastery.com/images/art/Saint%20Scholastica.jpg

Can you look beyond the needs of yourself and the human race?  How are you taking care of the land? 

Saint Blaise did.  Read more at: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=28

Could we still have faith in Christ when those we love the most are taken from us unexpectedly?  Could we give it all up for the name of the Lord?  Read about the story of Saint Martina here  http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/01-30.htm and see what her life could teach you about the Lord.

Source:  http://www.njn.net/artsculture/jerseyartsradio/images06/0610saintmartina.jpg

Do you see the Lord as a judge or healer?  If the Lord spoke to you, would you boast about it or maintain some form of humility?

Find out more about St. Faustina at:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=510

Is it difficult to stay focused?  How did St. Theresa of the Child Jesus learn to become a saint?  See her story at: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/october/1001.asp

How difficult is it to live your faith with so many obstacles before you?  Find out through St. Andrew Kim:  http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0920.asp

source of image:  http://www.frangregoryart.com/Quickstart/ImageLib/REL_St.AndrewKimTaegon.gif

Why this saint?  Check it out at this site:    http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp

DATE OF DEATH: August 3 640

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Kent, England

OCCUPATION:  Nun

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• Taught her father about faith.
• Refused to marry her a prince with great humour.  Surprisingly the father allowed her daughter not to marry the prince. 
• She went on to build a monastery where she was a nun for the rest of her life.

source: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0912.asp 

DATE OF BIRTH:  650 

DATE OF DEATH: 710

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Greece

OCCUPATION:  Abbott

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• He used his inheritance to help the poor.
• Although he received praise for his actions, he went to France to better serve God.
• In France, he built a home in the forest.  There he lived a peaceful life in the cave.  It is said that one day a deer hid in this cave to escape hunters.  These hunters shot an arrow into the cave hurting St. Giles.  The King wanted to know why he was living there.  He told his story.  After, the King also wanted to praise him, but St. Giles refused the praise and gifts.
• Later, St. Giles agreed for a monestary to be built where he lived and that is where he became the first abbot.
• After it was built, a new town sprung up where people still travel on pilgrimage to visit St. Giles. 

source:  http://www.stgilesaintree.org.uk/images/module1/Painting_of_St_Giles_1a.jpg and http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0901.asp

DATE OF BIRTH:  1170

DATE OF DEATH: August 6 1221

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Calaruga, Spain

OCCUPATION:  Priest

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• In 1203 he accompanied Bishop Diego de Avezedo of Osma to Languedoc where Dominic preached against the Albigensians (heresy) and helped reform the Cistercians. Dominic founded an institute for women at Prouille in Albigensian territory in 1206 and attached several preaching friars to it." (source catholic.org)
• Founded an order to covert the Albigensianians which eventually led to the finding of the Domicians.
• His order became known for converting and evangelizing because at its core was the belief and practice of harmonizing the intellectual life with popular needs.
• source:  americancatholic.org, http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintl14.htm

DATE OF BIRTH:  May 12, 1866

DATE OF DEATH: July 30, 1942 

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Crotia

OCCUPATION:  Capuchin Franciscan

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Known as the "Saint of Confession: because he knew that is through an open and honest conversation with God, one could fully receive the grace of God.   
• Despite his many physical ailments, St. Leopold was a tower of Christian spirutality and strength. 
• It through his suffering that he understood fully the power of God, espeically in his providence.  His mantra was "Have faith! Everything will be alright. Faith, Faith!"
• Leopold had to let go of his desire to be a missionary and become a confessor.  It is through this act, he proclaimed, I am bird stuck in a cage but my heart is beyound the sea. 

source:  americancatholic.org, http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintl14.htm

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• She is known as the "Penitent"
• She was present at the Lord's crucifixion.
• Before she met Jesus, Mary Magdalen was known for her sins.  After she met him, she felt great sorrow for her sins.  It is through her act of washing the Lord's feet and coming with an open heart that our Lord forgave her because her faith was so great.

• source:  americancatholic.org and http://www.saintmarymagdalen.com/eileen/images/e_icon8.jpg

HISTORY OF MOUNT CARMEL

• Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah (northern Israel) in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. (source American Catholic.org)
• St. Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” St. John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel and helping him escape from prison. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion she dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. (American Catholic)
• source:  americancatholic.org, http://www.emmitsburg.net/sasolmc/images/m_carmel.jpg

DATE OF DEATH:  1871

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China

OCCUPATION: Soldier/Diocesan Priest

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• He escorted Blessed  John Gabriel Dufresse to Beijing.
• "Blessed Augustine Zhao Rong, a Chinese diocesan priest. Having first been one of the soldiers who had escorted Monsignor Dufresse from Chengdu to Beijing, he was moved by his patience and had then asked to be numbered among the neophytes. Once baptised, he was sent to the seminary and then ordained a priest. Arrested, he had to suffer the most cruel tortures and then died in 1815." (source:  http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20001001_zhao-rong-compagni_en.html)

source:  americancatholic.org, http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20001001_zhao-rong-compagni_en.html, and http://www.stfrancisenid.com/images/Saints/Saint%20Augustine%20Zhao%20Rong%20-%20web_small.JPG

DATE OF BIRTH:  1271 

DATE OF DEATH:  July 4, 1366

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Aragon, Spain

OCCUPATION: Princess

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• She was a princess.
• She was self-disciplined and had a deep sense of spirituality.
• She established a life where she could develop a deep and meaningful relationship with God by being prayerful and charitable.
• She remained loyal to her husband, even though he broke their sacrament of marriage many times.  However it is through her prayer and the grace of God, that her husband repented from a life of sin.
• She brokered peach in her family.
• She had a calm spirit and a brave soul to keep peace in the family by forsaking her own needs and trusting in God's providence.
• sources: www.americancatholic.org,

DATE OF BIRTH:  1459/1469?

DATE OF DEATH:  June 22, 1535

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England

OCCUPATION: Bishop/Cardinal

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• He was an intelligent man.
• Raised the standard of preaching in England.
• He opposed the marriage of King Henry VII and he did not support King Henry's claim that he was the supreme head of the church. 
• Since John Fisher did not support King Henry VII he was imprisoned for 14 months and lost everything.
• When interrogated by the King, John Fisher remained silent.
• Confidant of Queen Catherine at the time of her divorce from King Henry VII.
• He kept to his vows and thus loss his life. 

sources: www.americancatholic.org, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08462b.htm, andhttp://www.stjohnfisherschool.org.uk/files/uploads/general/Spiritual_Life/stjohnfisher.gif

DATE OF BIRTH:  1811

DATE OF DEATH:  June 23, 1860

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

OCCUPATION: Priest

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Born with a deformity, became a professor of moral theology.
• Known for his humility and fervor in prayer. 
• He encouraged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and daily communion.
• He was an excellent preacher, confessor, and retreat leader.
• He worked with prisioners so at their time of death they had the opportunity to make peace with God.
• He taught St. John Bosco

sources: www.americancatholic.org, http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj64.htm, and http://www.penitents.org/PictGoodSamaratinBenLong.jpeg

DATE OF BIRTH:  April 16, 1783 

DATE OF DEATH:  1854

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Barcelona, Spain

OCCUPATION: Nun

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• With her husband, became secular Franciscans. 
• Though she desired to be a nun after her husbands death, she remained loyal and faithful to her children.
• She spent her time in prayer and visiting the sick.
• After many years, she joined a religious order and started the order of Carmalite Sisters of  Charity.
• She is known for her great devotion to God and her selfless charity. 
• She experienced great loss, but still endured in her life because of her faith in God's providence.
• sources: www.americancatholic.org, http://www.oksister.com/Images/Carmelite%20Saints/JOAQUINA%20VEDRUNA%20de%20Mas%20-%20web_small.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  680?

DATE OF DEATH:  June 5, 755 ?

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England

OCCUPATION: Bishop

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• After being inspired by missionaries, he joined the order, to equally and devotedly proclaim the Word of God. 
• Went on a mission to convert the Germans.
• His life was in constant danger and his flock would always be subject to immense poverty and ridicule.
• With courage in his heart, he preached the Word of God in Bavaria, Thuringia, Friesland, esse and Saxony where he would destroy the idol temples and raise churches in their place.
• After becoming Bishop, he returned to Germany to ensure order and peace amongst the clergy.
• Even though St. Boniface had established several order, he still felt the need to continue preaching the Word of God for the conversion of the Pagans and thus continued to convert the pagan tribes.
• While confirming new Christians, a band of pagans came upon him with spears and arrows.  However, in a very mysterious and calming way, he said that the time had come to meet death upon the hands of evil, and His soul was more than willing to put His trust in God. 
• sources: http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/06-05.htm and http://franciscancards.com/platinum6/pictures/images/pod6/image5b.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  October 31, 1681

DATE OF DEATH:  May 26, 1645

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Ecuador

OCCUPATION:  Secular Franciscans

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• She lived a life of prayer and penance. 
• In Quito, she established a clinic and school for Africans and indege Americans.
• She took care of the sick.
• Even when great tragedies struck, through penance and prayer, she called for the mercy of God where Human influence could no longer sustain the hope in people.
• sources: http://www.americancatholic.org/default.asp and http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm67.jpg

ST. PIUS V

DATE OF BIRTH:  January 17, 1504

DATE OF DEATH:  May 1, 1572

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Bosco, near Alexandria, Lombardy

OCCUPATION:  Dominican Friar and Pope

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Pope Pius V began his pontifcate by giving the alms usually given to the pope to the poor.
• Mediatated twice a day infront of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Pius V was elected in 1566 and was bleesed with the task of implementing the sweeping reforms called for by the Council of Trent
• He ordered the founding of seminaries for the proper training of priests.
• He oversaw the publication of the new missal, a new breviary, a new catechism, and established the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classes for the young.
• Pius  enforced legislation against abuses in the Church.
• Other than forming the training and structure of the Church, Pius continued to serve the sick and the poor by building hospitals, providing food for the hungry and giving money customarily used for the papal banquets to poor Roman converts.
• Even after becoming Pope, he continued to wear his Dominican habit which led to the custom of the pope wearing a white cassock.
• He spent long hours with his God in prayer, fasted rigorously, deprived himself of many customary papal luxuries and faithfully observed the Dominican Rule and its spirit.
• Saw the need to bring all Catholics together.

sources:  http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp

DATE OF BIRTH:  1033

DATE OF DEATH:  April 21, 1109

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Aosta, Piedmont, Italy

OCCUPATION:  Monk/Archbishop

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Indiffertent to religion as a young man, Anselm became one of the greatest theologians and leaders.
• He received the title "Father of Scholasticism" for his attempt to analyze and illumine the truths of faith through the aid of reason.
• Anselm was admired for his patience, gentleness and teaching skill. 
• At 60, against his will, Anselm was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1093.
• Anselm finally went into voluntary exile until Rufus died in 1100, but returned upon the request of King Henry I.  However, unable to reason with King Henry I to reform the church in English, Anselm went into exile again in Rome. 
• He opposed human trade.  Anselm obtained from the national council at Westminster the passage of a resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.
  
• source:  www.americancatholic.org & http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/webpics/St_Anselm.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  January 7, 1844

DATE OF DEATH:  April 16, 1879

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Lourdes,  France

OCCUPATION:  Nun

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• At a young age, she had visions of the Blessed Mother in a cave above the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes
• she had suffered from asthma from an early age.
• She reported that the Lady who came to her was about 16 or 17.  Later on she realized it was our Lady.  Immaculate Conception.
• She was instructed to build a chapel where the faithful could drink from the springs. 
• Usually treated unfairly be the skeptics, she remained loyal and true to Our Lady.
• Bernadette suffered much for having these visions.

source:  http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb06.htm & http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/SODimages2/068_BernadetteSoubirous.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  July 12, 1751

DATE OF DEATH:  April 8, 1816

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Cuvilly, France

OCCUPATION:  Nun

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• As a teenager, she took up manual work to support her family. 
• She became ill and an invalid at the age of 30, but continued to teach catechism from her bed.
• While in hiding, she had a vision of the Lord to start an order.
• With the support and help of Francoise Blin de Bourdon, she began the Institute of Notre Dame.  Here young women and the poor could receive an education. 
• A year after, the first year the first girls made their vows, Julie recovered from the illness.
• She also helped the well off families through education.
• Despite her illness she served the Lord.

source:  americancatholic.org and http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saintj69.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  1350

DATE OF DEATH: 

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Valenica, Spain

OCCUPATION:  Priest/Bishop

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• People were impressed in the way he evangelized and lived his life.
• He counted on God.
• He prayed before going out to minister and talk to his community.
• He learned that if he doesn't do it for his own glory, but God's glory, people will listen and respond.

source of image:  http://www.hotelpriuli.com/images/saint_christopher.jpg

source of information:  http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0405.asp

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ?

DATE OF BIRTH:  ?

DATE OF DEATH: ?

OCCUPATION:  Archangel of the Lord.

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINTLY?

• Lead character in the deutero-canonical book of Tobit in which he travelled with (and guarded) Tobiah, and cured a man's blindness; hence his connection with travellers, young people, blindness, healing and healers. Traditionally considered the force behind the healing power of the sheep pool mentioned in John 5:1-4.

Source  http://www.catholic-forum.com/Saints/saintr02.htm and http://www.weirdload.com/art/raphael.jpg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  The City of David (Bethlehem)

DATE OF BIRTH:  ?

DATE OF DEATH: ?

OCCUPATION:  Layman Carpenter

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Noted for his willingness to immediately get up and do what God asked of him to do.
• Foster father of Jesus
• He carred out his vocation with complete fidelity.

Source of image:  http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj01065.jpg

SAINT JOHN OF GOD

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Portugal

DATE OF BIRTH:  March 8, 1495

DATE OF DEATH: March 8, 1550

OCCUPATION:  ?

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Ran away from home after a traveller told him about Spain.
• After leaving home, he felt regret and shame.
• Instead of returning home, he tended sheep and cattle.  It was here that his employeer offered him his daughter in marriage.  However, John did not feel like this was his call. 
• At age forty, he returned home only to be struck with more regret and misery upon hearing about his parents death.
• After this experience, he resolved himself to devote himself to the ransom of Christian slaves in Africa.
• John returned to Spain upon the advice of his confessor and began selling holy pictures and books at a low price. 
• In Granada, after hearing a sermon by John of Avila, John of God was struck to the depth of his soul.  He began to act out that they had to throw in him into an insane asylum.  John of Avila becamse his confessor and told him to stop acting and do something with his life.
• Started to serve the poor and sick on the street by begging for them. 
• One night he came upon one man on the street who was very ill.  He took this man to the hospital and laid him down on the bed where he began to wash and kiss his feet.  Soon thereafter, he realized that he was washing the feet of Christ. said to John, "it is to Me that you do all that you do for the poor in My name.   It is I who reach forth My hand for the alms you give; you clothe Me; Mine are the feet that you wash."
• Bishop John of Avila named him John of God. 
• He died trying to save a boy from drowning.
• http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/03-08.htm andhttp://members.chello.nl/~l.de.bondt/SaintJohn.jpg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  France

DATE OF BIRTH:  January 13 1381

DATE OF DEATH: March 6, 1447

OCCUPATION:  Nun

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• Helpful to her parents. 
• She lost her parents at age 17 and was left under the care of the abbot at the monastary.  They built her a hut.
• People would come to her for advise because they believed she was wise.
• She would welcome all her visitors with kindess.  She would listen to them.
• She would pray that each of her vistors would find peace.
• St. Francis appeared to her so she could help the Poor Clares live a life of poverty.  She was mocked for this work, but she kept walking from covenant to covenant till she was heard.
• She had a great devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.  She would reflect on the passion of the Lord.
• Source: http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc20.htm, http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march.asp, andhttp://www.thepoorclares.org/images/colette.jpg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  ?

DATE OF BIRTH:  ?

DATE OF DEATH: c64-Crucified

OCCUPATION:  Fisherman

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• 1 of the original 12 apostles of Christ. 
• According to the Gospel readings, when Jesus asks his apostles "whom do men say that the Son of man is?"  The apostles had various answers, but Peter answered, "You are Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus answered Peter with, "Blessed art you, Simon Peter; because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."
• Known to have denied Christ three times.  However, Peter is one who leads Christ's people after His death.  Starts to proclaim the Word to everyone.
• Peter was crucified for His beliefs.  However, he requested that he could not be curcified in the same manner as the Saviour because he was unworthy to die the same death.
• Source: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm and http://www.livingwatercommunity.com/saiints/st%20peter%20apostle.jpg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Rome

DATE OF BIRTH:  ?

DATE OF DEATH: 270

OCCUPATION:  Priest

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• 3 or more references of St. Valentine appear or are mentioned in the early martyrologies.
• Defended and protected those who believed in spite of the persecution.
• Married Christians and offered them protection even if it was against the law.
• One Valentine denied to let go of his Faith and was beaten and put to death by Emperor Claudius. 

Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159 and http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15254a.htm and http://www.catholicculture.org/Lit/pictures/2_14_valentine.jpg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Sudan, Africa

DATE OF BIRTH:  1869

DATE OF DEATH: February 8th, 1947

OCCUPATION:  Nun

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• She was a wealthy Sudanese before being kidpnapped.  She was sold into slavery before she became a nun.  Her order was the Canossian Daughters of Charity.
• She led a simple life as a cook, seamstres, and doorkeeper for 50 years, but it was her gentleness and compassion  for the poor and suffering that endeared her to all."
• When her biography was published in 1930, she became a sought out speaker.
• Known as "Our Black Mother".
• After she was baptized, they say she used to stop at the Baptismal font and say this is where I became a daughter of God.  Each day after led to contemplation on what God helped her through and where he was leading her.
• Even in illness, she remained devoted to God.

Source:  Living with Christ, http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saintj84.htm, and http://conservation.catholic.org/St-JosephineBakhitaWeb.jpg

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

Source:  http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1271#Audio, http://www.moytura.com/saintanne.GIF

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Saul at Tarsus, (modern day Turkey)

DATE OF BIRTH:  3 (approximate)

DATE OF DEATH: 65-67 (Historical approximation)

OCCUPATION:  Tent Maker by Trade...after he converted became a Writer and Disciple of Christ

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Before his conversion, St. Paul used all his energy in the denouncement of Christ, but when the Lord spoke to him, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9: 5b) he knew he was pursuing the wrong dreams and ideals.
• His conversion led to a dedication to the ministry of reconcilation and an instrument to help others experience Christ.
• "So Paul's great message to the world was:  You are saved entirely by God, not by anythingyou can do.  Saving faith is the gift of total, free, personal, and loving commitment to Christ, a commitment that then bears fruit in more "works" than the Law could ever contemplate."

Source:  http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1271#Audio, http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/ulj/mosaic33.jpg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Poitiers in Gual

DATE OF BIRTH:  Beginning of the 4th century (approximate)

DATE OF DEATH: Nov 1367/368 (Historical approximation)

OCCUPATION:  Bishop/ Doctor of the Church 1851- Divinty of Chirst

PATRON: Snake Bites and Backward Children

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Eventhough he wasn't raised a Christian, he loved life and had a desire to know the meaning of having the gift of life. 
• He believed that humans were more then the sum of their desires and just living a good life.
• To find the meaning of the Gift of Life he went in search of the Gift Giver--God.
• Recognized as the first person in the Western world who has hymns attributed to him.
• Fought so all may believe in the hope of Christ.  Our salvation of hope.

PRAYER FOR THE INTERCESSION OF ST. HILARY

Saint Hilary of Poitiers, instead of being discouraged by your exile, you used your time to study and write. Help us to bring good out of suffering and isolation in our own lives and see adversity as an opportunity to learn about or share our faith. Amen

Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=55 and http://www.drstandley.com/images/saints/St_HilaryofPoitiers.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  April 17th, 1620

DATE OF DEATH: January 12, 1700

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Champagne, France

OCCUPATION:  Nun

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• She survived several attacks and fires which struck and destroyed her village, but she never let go of her dreams and hope. 
• She devoted her life to serving God by serving others. 
• She cared for the sick.
• Answered to the call to serve the Native Americans and settlers living in Canada by telling her governor that she was the one person to help start a school for children in Montreal.  

Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1373 and http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19821031_bourgeoys_en.html and http://membres.lycos.fr/neigesl/saint/stembourgeois1.jpg

HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD

DATE OF BIRTH:  Unknown.  Celebrated on September 8th

DATE OF DEATH: Unkown.  Celebrated on August 15th.

WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

She answered Yes to the Lord with complete humility.

She points us to her Son.

She will intercede for us.

Source:  http://www.catholicgreetings.org/card_images/524.jpg

Updated:  Janauary 2nd, 2007

SAINT JUAN DIEGO

DATE OF BIRTH:  1474

DATE OF DEATH:  May 30, 1548

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Ward of Tlayacac in Cuauhititlan

OCCUPATION: Weaver, Farmer, and Laborer.

PATRON: Americas

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• The Blessed Mother appeared to him speaking in his native tongue.  She asked him to go and tell the Bishop to build a church where she appeared.  The Bishop asked for proof.  St. Juan Diego brought back in his cloak Castilian roses , a flower not native to the area.  The flowers fell from his cloak and on the cloak was imprinted the face of the Blessed Mother. 
• A church was built soon after where our Loady appeared and thousands were converted to Christianity.  Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared the patroness of the Americas.
• Simple humble Indian who accepted Christianity without giving up his identity.
• Devoted to the Holy Eucharist.
• Juan was a humble man who said to the Blessed Virgin Mary, "I am nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf."
• Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=73 and http://www.aciprensa.com/Banco/images/jdiego.jpg

SAINT NICHOLAS

DATE OF BIRTH:  unknown

DATE OF DEATH:  847

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Patara in Lycia (Asia Minor)

OCCUPATION: Priest/Bishop

PATRON: In the East he is the patron of Sailors and in the West he is the patron of Children.

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Extraordinary piety and zeal.
• Devoted his vast inheritance to chairities.
• Survived imprisionment for his preaching of the Word of God.
• Spoke up for the wrongly imprisioned.
• Gave to those in need to save them from a life of sin.  

Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=371 and http://www.saint-nicholas.org/grkpictures/grkicon.jpg

DATE OF BIRTH:  ?

DATE OF DEATH:  ?

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Today it is known as Israel

OCCUPATION: 1 of the 12 Apostles.

PATRON: Desperate Cases

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Lybia.
• In the New Testament his letter stresses that the faithfuld should persevre despite the difficult circumstances which surround you.In contemplative prayer, he found the answers he was looking for.

Prayer for the Intercession of Saint Jude

http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayer.php?p=187

Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=127 and http://www.sldm.org/Images/PrayersLitanies/StJude.jpg

Update: November 13th, 2006

DATE OF BIRTH:  315/316

 DATE OF DEATH:  395/402

 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Pannonina (Modern Hungary)

 OCCUPATION: Monk/Bishop of Tours

      WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• He washed the feet of his servant.
• He hungered for the Lord.  Despite ridicule from family and friends, he sought the Lord. 
• In contemplative prayer, he found the answers he was looking for.
• Refused to fight for the Roman empire and chose rather to be a solider of Christ.
• Instead of living in luxury as a bishop, he chose to live a simple life.
• Devoted to showing mercy to prisoners.
• As wrong choices weighed him down, he sought the Lord for guidance and care.  He found that he shouldn't dwell to heavily on his mistakes, but must grow from them.
  

Source:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=81 and http://www.erlangen.de/de/Portaldata/1/Resources/030_leben_in_er/bilder/artikelbilder/martin_von_tours2.jpg

Update: November 6, 2006

SAINT ROSA OF LIMA

DATE OF BIRTH:  April 20 1586

 DATE OF DEATH:  August 30 1617

 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Peru

 OCCUPATION: Worked on a farm and embroidered items to sell

  PATRONESS:  Latin America and the Philippines.

 WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• When she spoke of Jesus her face glowed.
• Founder of social work in Peru.
• Devoted to Christ against the protests and riducle of her family and friends.
• Devoted her life to charity and prayer. 
  

Source:  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13192c.htm and http://www.viarosa.com/VR/StRose/RoseLima_09.jpg

Update:  October 31, 2006

DATE OF BIRTH:  October 16, 1890

 DATE OF DEATH:  July 5, 1902

 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Italy

 OCCUPATION: Farm girl

 CANOIZED:  June 24, 1950 by Pope Pius XII

 PATRONESS:  Youth and for the victims of rape.

 WHAT MAKES HER A SAINT?

• She chose death over being violated by the neighbours' son. 
• She forgive her attacker who stabbed her fourteen times before she died. 
• She prayed for him.
• Her attacker dreamt about her years later wherein through her action of forgiveness led to his conversion.

Source:  http://www.wf-f.org/WFFResource/Maria-Goretti.jpgand http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=78.

Update:  October 23, 2006

DATE OF BIRTH: Early 1400's

DATE OF DEATH: April 2, 1519

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy, then Sicily and France

OCCUPATION: Hermit, etc.

CANONIZED:  1519

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• He dedicated his life to God at a very early age, living as a hermit
• He built a monestary
• He set a Rule for his followers emphasizing penance, charity, and humility, and added to the three monastic vows, one of fasting and abstinence from meat
• He was credited with many miracles and had the gifts of prophesy and insight into men's hearts

Update October 15, 2006

DATE OF BIRTH:        1815

DATE OF DEATH:        1888

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Becchi, Castelnuovoa d'Asti, Piermont, Italy

OCCUPATION:            Priest

CANONIZED:              1934 by Pope Pius XI

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• He learned how to juggle and do tricks so he could minister to the poor and neglected boys.
• Even at the age of nine, he used love to guide others.
• He didn't quit.  He knew his mission in life.  
• He pushed foward never losing faith in God because he knew he would find the placed he belonged.
• He found God's message in his dreams.

Find out more:  http://lionofjudahcommunity.org/images/bosco.jpg

Updated October 10, 2006

 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

 DATE OF BIRTH:  1225 (1224)

DATE OF DEATH: March 1274

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Italy

OCCUPATION:  Priest/ Doctor of the Church

CANONIZED:  June 29, 1323 by Pope Pius V

PATRON: All Universities and of students

WHAT MAKES HIM A SAINT?

• Despite the protests of his family when he joined the order of the Dominicans of Naples, St. Thomas persevered in his vocation
• Blessed with the gift of perfect chastity, which gave him the title of the “Angelic Doctor.”
• He was a great writer and scholar, but declined the honour of ecclesiastical dignity and the archbishopric of Naples.
• He is well known as an Italian philospher and theologian
• He used Aristotle's philosophical structure to express and understarnd Christian truth.

Update October 3, 2006

For more information go to:  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aquinas/