Saint Priscilla (Patron Saint of Homemakers)

Saint Priscilla

Patron Saint: Homemakers

Also known as: Prisca

Born: Early first century

Died: Mid - late first century. Martyred in Rome

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Married to St. Aquila

Converted to Christianity during the time in Rome when it was illegal

Used her home as a church

Martyr

Biblical References:

Acts 18

Romans 16

Timothy 4

Corinthians 16

Fast Food Forward?

When I walk into a Mcdonalds, I'm usually greeted by a young man or woman learning the ropes about work. We all worked in fast food, bussed tables, or had entry level jobs which taught us work ethic and the value of the dollar.

None of us expected to get rich off these jobs. We were making minimum wage. We expected to move onto another job which would teach us and pay us more.

Entry level jobs aren't designed to become a career. There's alot of turnover, and a spot is almost always open for the next batch of high school students.

The problem we're facing now is that for some, the entry level job is becoming a career.

In comes the grassroots protest movement: Fastfood Forward.

Fastfood Forward is made up of around 200 fastfood employees. Their demands?

• $15 an hour
• Unionization
• Full Benefits

What's wrong with this picture?

The same people protesting could find themselves out of a job. If Mcdonalds had to pay someone $15 an hour, provide full benefits, and deal with a Union, theyre going to be extremely selective of who they hire. It will be a golden privilege to work at Mcdonalds.

The employees at this new Mcdonalds will most likely be qualified salespeople. Mcdonalds will have to generate significant revenue to pay these kinds of wages.

Competition will be fierce. Resumes will come from all over. People will move from one state to another to take advantage of Mcdonald's job opportunities.

Unemployment rates for high school kids will rise dramatically. It will be much harder for a high school kid to find a job, and competition will be fierce on that as well.

Prices will go up. A value meal won't be $7 - $8 dollars. It will be more like $15 - $16.

We're already re-thinking fast food because we're trying to eat healthier. We're not going to Mcdonalds if prices are too high.

There's already several politicians supporting the protests. I'm sure these protests are going to expand as time goes on. There will be unintended consequences for this, and we're all going to end up paying for it if this happens.

Falling off the Fiscal Cliff

John Stossel did a piece on the spending of the Federal Government. Below is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdgyJ6styW4

It's called the Money Hole. I'm shocked by how politicians spend our hard-earned money.

Some of these "grants" include:

• Testing how fast shrimp run on treadmills
• Massive Alpaca farming tax deductions
• Robots that fold laundry
• And many many more

Why are we paying for this stuff?

Government just loves to spend money. It's easy to spend other people's money, especially when you can print more when you've gone over budget.

Is this how we got to the Fiscal Cliff?

I wonder what would happen if we fell off the Fiscal Cliff. It will probably mean that the Government will be forced to spend a little less. That's it.

It's a good start. Anything is better than this deficit. No country is able to sustain this. Look at Greece!

Our children and grandchildren will be paying back our deficit many years from now. Maybe falling off the Fiscal Cliff is just what we need.

Romney Didn't Inspire Us

The Presidential election came and went in a New York minute. In less than an hour, both Republicans and Democrats were shocked. Everyone thought it was going to be so close. It wasn't.

Why?

Romney didn't inspire us. Plain and simple. It had nothing to do with demographics, the mandate on the Catholic Church, gay rights or even the economy. Romney just didn't inspire us.

Reagan inspired us. His ability to transcend party lines couldn't be quantified. George W Bush had a similar ability, albeit not nearly as special. We liked and trusted him. We gave him two terms.

Obama was the Reagan for the 2008 Democrat party. He inspired us. We gave him a term. He didn't however inspire us in 2012, but neither did Romney. Obama was the incumbent. He won because people didn't want to change. They were uninspired.

Now the Democrat party is trying to eliminate the Republican party. They want to reign Republicans in and turn them into the Democrat party. Democrats are saying that Republicans need to change their focus, and try to get votes from all the different demographics.

We aren't statistics. We're people. We aren't demographics. We're human beings. The Republicans don't need to change, or focus energies on attracting specific demographic blocks. We need a leader who inspires all of us.

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Patricia (Patron of Naples)

Also Known as: St. Patricia of Naples

Patron Saint: Naples

Memorial: August 25th

Born: Early - Mid 600s, Modern Turkey

Died: 665 in Naples, Italy

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Noblewoman who fled an arranged marriage to protect her virginity for God

Pilgrim

Nun of Rome

Miracles:

In the Monastery of Santa Patrizia in Naples, a vial of her blood can be found. Every few years the blood miraculously liquefies and then slowly returns to it's former state.

http://apostle.com/medals/silver-patron-saints/female/saint-patricia-figurine-medal-patron-of-naples

Saint Nicole (Patron of Lost Family Members)

Patron Saint: Loss of Family Members

Name Means: Victorious Army

Also Known as: St. Colette of Corbie

Born: January, 1381

Died: March, 1447 of Natural Causes

Beautified: 1604 by Pope Clement VIII

Canonized: May, 1807

We must faithfully keep what we have promised. If through human weakness we fail, we must always without delay arise again by means of holy penance, and give our attention to leading a good life and to dying a holy death. May the Father of all mercy, the Son by his holy passion, and the Holy Spirit, source of peace, sweetness and love, fill us with their consolation. Amen. 
- Saint Colette, in her spiritual testament to her sisters

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Franciscan Tertiary

Hermitess and Visionary: - Remained in a cell for days on end with just a window and enough water to subsist. She did this to free herself of outside influence and focus entirely on her visions

Vision of St. Francis of Assisi instructing her to re-establish the Poor Claires, who spread the Message of Christ as missionaries, but did not accept money from anyone

Ecstacy: Was devout in the Passion of Christ, would Meditate and Pray for days experienceing constant and intense visions of Christ

Prophetess: Foretold the day of her death

Life of a Saint:

Founded the Colletines branch of the Poor Claires

Missionary

Founded 14 Convents

Aided in the Healing the French Papal Schism, and is partially responsible for the returning of the Catholic Church to Rome in the late 1300's

Saint Monica (Patron Saint of Disappointing Children)

"Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled".

The Conversion of Augustine - St. Monica

Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine was born to Christian parents in North Africa, year 333 A.D.

Monica was married at a young age to a man named Patritius who was an alcoholic and considered of bad repute. Patritius however, knew of Monica's piousness and held her in a very high regard. Saint Monica bore 3 of his children, the first being Augustine.

Saint Augustine was never Baptised because Patritius who was a Pagan, did not allow it. Augustine in his childhood was a troublemaker. Monica was forced, according to scripture, to "wrestle with God for his soul" It was during this time that Saint Monica was able to convert Patritius to Christianity and to give up his ways of debauchery. Augustine however fell deeper into sin.

Patritius died shortly after he converted and Monica vowed never to marry again. Monica devoted a great deal of her time to saving Augustine's soul.

Augustine fled to Rome without her knowledge and when she found out, chased after him. During a Divine Vision she recieved, she was told where to find him. When she did find him, she sought the help of a Holy Bishop that gave Augustine his Baptism. She shared six months of peace with him, and he was captured by such great emotion it changed his life. Augustine from that day forward, was prepared to dedicate his life to the service of God.

Memoriai: August 27th

Born: 332 AD, Algeria

Died: 387 AD, Italy

Additional Patronages: Disappointing Children, Difficult Marriages, Victims of Unfaithfulness and Widows

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Converted St. Augustine from a life of sin to Christ

Converted Abusive husband to Christ

Exceptional amount of time spent in prayer trying to convert both

Spiritually advised by St. Ambrose

Saint Megan (Patron of Abuse Victims)

Patron Saint: Victims of abuse

Also Known as: St. Margaret Ward

Born: Cheshire England, mid 1500's

Died: August, 1588 in London England

Beautified: 1929 by Pope Pius XI

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Martyr by torture and hanging

One of the Forty Martyrs of Wales

Assisted the escape of Father Richard Watson from prison

Was offered freedom if she let the authorities know where Watson was, and to convert to the Church of England. She declined and suffered tremendous punishment

Saint Megan Pendant Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Mary Magdalen (Patron of Penitent Women)

Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen:

St Mary Magdalene, you came with springing tears to the spring of mercy, Christ; from him your burning thirst was abundantly refreshed through him your sins were forgiven; by him your bitter sorrow was consoled.
My dearest lady, well you know by your own life how a sinful soul can be reconciled with its creator, what counsel a soul in misery needs, what medicine will restore the sick to health.
It is enough for us to understand, dear friend of God, to whom were many sins forgiven, because she loved much.
Most blessed lady, I who am the most evil and sinful of men do not recall your sins as a reproach, but call upon the boundless mercy by which they were blotted out.
This is my reassurance, so that I do not despair; this is my longing, so that I shall not perish.
I say this of myself, miserably cast down into the depths of vice, bowed down with the weight of crimes, thrust down by my own hand into a dark prison of sins, wrapped round with the shadows of darkness.
Therefore, since you are now with the chosen because you are beloved and are beloved because you are chosen of God, 1, in my misery, pray to you, in bliss; in my darkness, I ask for light; in my sins, redemption; impure, I ask for purity.
Recall in loving kindness what you used to be, how much you needed mercy, and seek for me that same forgiving love that you received when you were wanting it. Ask urgently that I may have the love that pierces the heart; tears that are humble; desire for the homeland of heaven; impatience with this earthly exile; searing repentance; and a dread of torments in eternity.
Turn to my good that ready access that you once had and still have to the spring of mercy.
Draw me to him where I may wash away my sins; bring me to him who can slake my thirst; pour over me those waters that will make my dry places fresh. You will not find it hard to gain all you desire from so loving and so kind a Lord, who is alive and reigns and is your friend.

Additional Patronages: Converts, Sexual Temptation, Hairdressers and Contemplative Lives

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Reformed by Christ

First Visited by the Risen Christ

Devout follower of Jesus Christ

Saint Mary Magdalen Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Margaret (Patron of Pregnant Women)

 

Saint Margaret

Patron Saint: Pregnant Women and Devotees of the Sacred Heart

Additional Patronages: Against Polio

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those devoted to His Sacred Heart:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

Born: July, 1647 in Burgundy, France

Died: October, 1690 of Natural Causes

Beautified: September, 1864

Canonized: May, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Visionary and Miracles: Healed of a crippling disease by a Vision of the Holy Mother

Received a Vision of Christ after being Scourged

Nun of the Order of the Visitation in France

A Revelation from God pronounced the 12 Promises given to her, to share with the rest of the world those who would follow the Blessed Sacred Heart of Jesus

Her body remains undecayed and uncorrupted

Saint Margaret Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Lucy (Patron of Eye Problems)

Prayer of St Lucy:

Saint Lucy, your beautiful name signifies light. By the light of faith which God bestowed upon you, increase and preserve this light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works, and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and of sin.

By your intercession with God, obtain for me perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use thme for God's greater honor and glory and the salvation of all men.

Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.

Name Means: Bringer of Light

Also Known as: St. Lucy of Syracuse

Born: 283, Syracuse Italy

Died: 304, Stabbed in the throat

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Vow of Virginity

Remarkable Piousness

Martyred by several horrible tortures, including eyes being plucked out and burning at the stake

Miracle of restored sight before death

Saint Lucy Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Louise (Patron Saint of Social Workers)

"Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself."

Saint Louise -

Also Known as: Louise De Marillac Le Gras

Memorial: March 15th

Patron Saint: Social Workers

Additional Patronages: Disappointing Children, Loss of Parents, Wodows, Rejection by Religious Orders

Born: August 12th, 1591 in France

Died: March 15th 1660 in Paris

Beautified: May 1920 by Pope Benedict XV

Canonized: March 1934 by Pope Pius XI

Prayer for the intercession of St. Louise:
O God, You inspired Saint Louise to strive for perfect charity, and so attain Your Kingdom at the end of her pilgramage on earth. Strengthen us through her intercession that we may advance rejoicing in the way of love and service to our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Student of St. Vincent De Paul
Rejected by several convents based on her poor health. She however persisted with no success, and then created her own convent named the Daughters of Charity, which is in modern day, one of the largest Catholic convents and religious orders in the world. The Daughters of Charity have inspired thousands of other organizations, Catholic and not, worldwide.
First Mother Superior of the Convent, and spiritual guide to dozens of womens' organizations.

Miracles:
St. Louise body has been uncorrupted by death for hundreds of years

Saint Louise Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

St. Aloysius Gonzaga (Young Students)

Also Known as: Luigi Gonzaga and Luis De Gonzaga

Patron Saint: Roselli Del Turco family

Additional Patronages: Plague Victims and Catholic Youth

Memorial: June 21st

Born: March 9th 1568

Died: June 21st 1591

Beautified: 1605

Canonized: 1726

Order: Jesuits

Other Patron Saints associated with Saint Aloysius:

St. Charles Borromeo

Cardinal Robert Bellarmine

St. Maria Magdalena de Pazzi

Meaning of his Patron Image:

 

Skull meaning associated with his early passing

 

Rosary in devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Visionary

Miraculously survived the black plague after becoming infected.

Spent the remaining part of his life caring for those infected with the plague

Led an exceptionally pious and prayerful life, even though he was part of a very wealthy family.

Gave up his rights of inheritance, and instead vowed to Chastity, Poverty and Obedience

Blessed Saint Lidwina (Patron of Ethiopia)

The message that the Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi nowadays brings to the Church and to the world is that of hope and love. A kind of hope which redeems men both from their selfishness and from aberrant forms of violence. A kind of love which is an urge to solidarity, to sharing out and to service, following the example of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life to save all of us.
- from the Decree on the Heroicness of the Virtues of Blessed Liduina by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints

Also Known as: Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi

Patron Saint: Ethiopia

Memorial: December 2nd

Born: September 12th 1901, Italy

Died: December, 1941 in Ethiopia

Venerated: June 25, 1996

Beautified: October 20th 2002 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized: Pending

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Exceptional piousness and dedication to prayer even as a young child
Became a Sister of the Congregation of St. Francis De Sales, where after several years of working as a nurse, she was allowed the oppurtunity for work as a missionary. She was sent to Ethiopia and worked as a Nurse. During World War II, the country was ravaged by bombings and soldiers. During this time there were many wounded and she carried countless men, women and children of all faiths through the streets to safety.
Largely responsible for Introducing Catholicism to Ethiopia.
Today, Much of her work and what she was able to accomplish is used as an educational model for missions given from the Vatican

Saint Lidwina Charm Medal

Patrick

www.apostle.com

Blessed Saint Lauren (Patron of Survivors)

Patron Saint: Survivors

Also Known as: St. Laura Vicuna

Born: April, 1891 in Chile

Died: January, 1904 in Argentina

Beautified: 1988 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized: Pending

Additional Patronages: Loss of Parents and Abuse Victims

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Remarkably devout at a young age

Laura's Father died in war and Laura's Mother shortly became the mistress of a wealthy man. The wealthy man abused her Mother, and Laura had written that she would give her life for her Mother to leave the wealthy man, and give her life to the Church. One night, the wealthy man tried to take the Virginity of Laura, and Laura fled the house and went to the Salesian Monastery to fulfill her lifelong dream to Serve God. When she returned to try and convince her Mother to come with her, she was raped, beaten and killed by the wealthy man. When Laura's Mother found out that Laura would have given her life for her Mother to leave the wealthy man and give her life to God, Laura's Mother did just that.

Saint Lauren Pendant Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Katherine (Patron of the Miraculous Medal)

Patron Saint: The Miraculous Medal "O Mary, conceived wthout sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee" -The Miraculous Medal

Also Known as: St. Catherine Laboure', Katherine Labore and Zoe Laboure

Memorial: November 28th Born: May, 1806 in Burgundy, France

Died: December, 1876 in France

Beautified: 1933 bu Pope Pius XI

Canonized: July, 1947 by Pope Pius XII

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Recieved the call to serve Christ at a very young age

Visionary: Her first vision was received when she entered the hospital of the Sisters of Charity to visit her sister.

St. Vincent De Paul told her in the vision that she must devote her life to healing the sick. After receiving the vision, she joined the Sisters of Charity and took the name Catherine. In 1830, the next Vision she received was of the Blessed Virgin Mary instructing her to craft a specific medal to assist the Faithful in Prayer, and to give the wearer a great many Graces. This medal is now known as the Miraculous Medal Miracles:

Several Holy See Confirmed Miracles occured near her tomb Body has never decayed and is uncorrupted

Saint Katherine Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Julia (Patron of Bodily Ills)

Patron Saint: Healing Bodily Ills Born: July, 1751 Died: April, 1816 - Died of natural causes while Praying Additional Patronages: Against Poverty Beautified: May, 1906 by Pope Pius X Canonized: June, 1969 by Pope Paul VI Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church: Without any formal education, By age 7 she had mastered all of the writings of the Catholic Church By age 14, she was spending most of her time serving the poor Established the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame. 15 Convents were in place when she passed Miracles: Crippled at a young age, she was bedridden for nearly 20 years. Some of the impoverished people who she had inspired decades earlier, took up her work. When St. Julia had heard of this, she was instantly healed and immediately went to assist them

Saint Judith the Patron of Prussia

Memorial: May 5th

Patron Saint: Prussia, Female Saint of the Teutonic Knights, Single Mothers

Born: Late 1100's Prussia, modern day Germany

Died: May 12th 1260 in Prussia

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church: Husband was killed in the Crusades. She sold all of her property to provide for her children. She then left her children with a relative who was the highest ranking officer of the Teutonic Knights. Right afterward, she left to a cave and spent the rest of her life in prayer as a hermit.

Saint Julia Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

abitadeacon: Patron Saint of ice skaters

abitadeacon: Patron Saint of ice skaters

Abbey of Saint Walburga: The Grace of Community Life links

Abbey of Saint Walburga: The Grace of Community Life links

Saint Joan of Arc (Patron of France)

"About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they're just one thing, and we shouldn't complicate the matter."

- Saint Joan of Arc, as recorded at her trial

Patron Saint: France

Saint Joan of Arc was born to a peasant family of five children, which she was the youngest. Joan was an unusually pious child never formally educated. Saint Joan deeply loved praying and the poor.

During her teenage years, Joan experienced what was later believed to be Divine or supernatural voices guiding her. She never answered back to these voices, and authorities were never able to determine that she was insane. Saint Joan vehemently denied that she heard voices but on one account, she stated that at one point she did see some sort of supernatural being like she could see the average person. One of the supernatural beings that she had seen was written to be Saint Michael the Archangel.

Saint Joan of Arc in and around the year 1430 A.D. was receiving voices ever more intense. The voices were telling her to ride against the forces that would threaten France. The King of France at this time was Charles and his military situation was grim. Through the persistant effort of Joan to convince Charles to allow her to join his army (Joan would be the only woman in his army) he agreed. Joan donned a male outfit to protect her chastity in rough war camps. Saint Joan had one final request to the King as he handed her a sword. That she would be allowed to salvage an ancient sword that the visions had instructed her to find. Given the exact location by her Divine guides, it was found behind alter of the Chapel St. Catherine de Fierbois. The sword had the inscription "Jesus, Maria and God the Father"

St. Joan of Arc did not single-handedly defeat the English but her presence was strogly felt by the outnumbered soldiers who miraculously were able take over the English forts that had encircled them. The French at this point were able to push back the English outside a strategic position they had lined up to attack Paris. The English attacked Paris in vein anyway but suffered a staggering defeat on their way there as Joan was in the battle and could not seem to lose. In the battle, Joan was shot in the leg by a crossbow shortly before the English retreated.

Partly because of English loses and partly because of Patron Saint Joan of Arc, a peace treaty was signed between the Kings of Enland and France. Inside of this treaty however was the handover of Joan. King Charles quickly agreed and now Joan of Arc was a war prisoner by England. The King of England, now realizing Joan was a woman, could not have put Joan of Arc to death because it would have been a great embarressment to have had his great army bested by a single woman. Instead, the King had her labeled as a heretic and witch. Saint Joan of Arc was Martyred by being burned on a stake, holding her Crucifix and saying the name of Jesus continually until she could speak no more.

Memorial: May 30th

Born: January, 1412 - France

Died: May, 1431 - France

Beautified: April, 1905 - Pius X

Canonized: May, 1920 - Pope Benedict XV

Additional Patronages: Women of the Military

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Mystic

Visions of several Saints

Holy Protector of France

Zealot of the Church and Jesus Christ

Martyred by burning at the stake

Saint Joan of Arc Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Jennifer (Patron of Protection from Disasters)

Patron Saint: Protection from Disasters

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Helped care for Jesus Christ and the Apostles during their time in King Herod's home

One of the three women that found the Tomb of Jesus empty on Easter Morning

Saint Jennifer Pendant Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Jane (Patron of Nursing the Sick)

Also known as: Saint Jane Antide Thouret

Patron Saint: Caring for the sick

Born: November, 1765 in France

Died: 1828 in Naples, Italy

Canonized: 1934 by Pope Pius XI

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Sister of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul

Known for her exceptional work with the sick. Was forced out of France due to an anti-Catholic society. Fled to Germany where she continued her work

Founded a school an hospital in the name of the Sisters of Charity named the Institute of the Daughters of St. Vincent De Paul. The Institute expanded all over Europe

Saint Jane Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Isabella (Patron of the sick)

Patron Saint: Sick People

Memorial: February 26th

Also Known as: St. Isabella of France

Died: 1270 AD of Natural Causes

Beautified: 1520

Canonized: Pending

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Holy See Confirmed Stigmatic, Mystic, Visionary and Ecstatic

Stigmatic and Mystic: Suffered all the wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ during the Crucifixion

The Mystical Crown of Thorns actually grew out of her head

Visionary: Had dozens of visions of the Blessed Saints throughout her life

Ecstacy: Very deep visions of Jesus Christ and the Passion, so intense that she nearly killed herself

Though many of her Ecstacy Visions were quite painful, toward the end of her life they were quite pleasant. These pleasant visions related to Heaven and the Risen Christ

Saint Isabella Pendant Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Helen (Patron of Converts)

Patron Saint: Converts

Also Known as: Saint Helena

O God, Who, in the miraculous finding of the saving cross, didst revive the miracles of Thy passion, grant that, by the ransom paid on the wood of life, we may obtain the suffrages of life eternal. Who livest and reignest

Born: 250 AD

Died: 330 AD - Natural Causes

Canonized: 1164

Additional Patronages: Archiologists, difficult marriages and divorced women

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Mother of Constantine the Great

Used her position to help the poor and those in need

Found the true cross of Christ, and used it to cure the sick

Saint Helen Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Hannah (Patron of Childless Wives)

Patron Saint: Childless Wives

Also known as: Channa (Hebrew)

Born: During the Old Testament

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Found in the Book of Samuel (Old Testament)

Mother of Saul

One of the few women of the Old Testament to be considered a Prophetess

Miracles: Through devoted prayer to God, she was able to concieve six children. Prior to this, she was unable to concieve no matter how hard she tried

Saint Hannah Pendant Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Blessed Patron Gertrude (Patron of Nuns)

Prayer of St Gertrude:

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, Your Heart is a glowing furnace of Love. You are my refuge and my sanctuary.

O my adorable and loving Savior, consume my heart with the burning fire with which Yours is aflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Your love. Let my heart be united with Yours. Let my will be conformed to Yours in all things. May Your Will be the rule of all my desires and actions. Amen.

Patron Saint: Nuns

Additional Patronage: West Indies

Born: January, 1256 in Germany

Died: Easter of 1302 - Natural causes

Canonized: Was never, but a feast day was declared by Pope Clement XII in 1677. The day is November 16th.

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Visions of Christ

Mystic

Influental writer regarding the Blessed Sacred Heart of Jesus

Saint Gerturde Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Honoring the Late Whitney Houston (a little too late)

Whitney Houston was a world class performer and her death was a tragedy, but she wasn't on my mind until Midnight last night, when I read of her passing on the Google news feed. I was at first shocked to see this, as she was quite young to be passing in this day and age. What's most shocking is that the second thought in my mind was that she overdosed on illegal drugs. I can't imagine that I was the only person who thought this.

About 30 minutes ago I was listening to 1010 Winds News. Residents of Whitney's old neighborhood in NJ were being interviewed about her passing. Many offered their thoughts and prayers to her and her family. In conclusion, many said that Whitney Houston's death was a loss to the community.

It's no secret that Whitney Houston was severly addicted to drugs for the past decade or so.

The question I have is: Where was the community's thoughts and prayers when she was alive and in desperate need of them? I don't think anyone in the community gave her a second thought in the past 5 years.

My next question: Who was Whitney Houston before she was a loss to the community? I think she was more of an embarrasment to the community for the last few years. When the media started reporting on Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown's drug problems, I don't think many of her old neighbors were that proud she was from their community.

I know alot of this sounds cold hearted, and i'm not trying to demonize her old community. This seems to be a very common problem. In this, I did realize something; Why don't we honor the people we care about while they're still alive? Why do we wait to honor them until they're gone? It seems that we cherish anyone that passes away, no matter what we thought about them when they were with us.

The moral of the story is that we need to start appreciating the people we love, care about and think highly of. When someone's struggling and in pain, instead of getting on Twitter and bashing them, why don't we express how dear they are to us. Encourage them. Uplift them. Couldn't all of us use that from time to time?

We don't need expressions of love when we're gone. We need them now.

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Patron Saint Genevieve (Women's Army Corps)

Also known as: Genovefa

Memorial: January 3rd

Born: 422, Paris France

Died: 500, Paris France

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Spiritual student of St. Germanus

Exceptional piousness and desire to dedicate her life to God

Took the veil at 15 years old

Organized large scale prayers for help from God to defend Paris from the oncoming Frank invasion. Also, she encouraged the defense of France and risked her life on several occasions during missions to bring food into the city.

Miracles:

The Church of St. Denis was built over her tomb, and inside the Church were her relics. These relics are believed to have ended a major epidemic.

Saint Genevieve Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Frances (Patron of Chicago)

Prayer of St Frances:

Inspired by the grace of god, we join the saints in honoring the holy virgin Frances Xavier Cabrini. She was a humble woman who became outstanding not because she was famous or rich or powerful, but because she lived a virtuous life. From the tender years of her youth, she kept her innocence as white as a lily and preserved it carefully with the thorns of penitence; as the years progressed, she was moved by a certain instinct and supernatural zeal to dedicate her whole life to the service and greater glory of God.

She welcomed delinquent youths into safe homes, and taught them to live upright and holy lives. She consoled those who were in prison, and recalled to them the hope of eternal life. She encouraged prisoners to reform themselves, and to live honest lives.

She comforted the sick and the infirm in the hospitals, and diligently cared for them. She extended a friendly and helping hand especially to immigrants, and offered them necessary shelter and relief, for having left their homeland behind, they were wandering about in a foreign land with no place to turn for help. Because of their condition, she saw that they were in danger of deserting the practice of Christian virtues and their Catholic faith.

Undoubtedly she accomplished all this through the faith which was always so vibrant and alive in her heart; through the divine love which burned within her; and finally, through constant prayer by which she was so closely united with God from whom she humbly asked and obtained whatever her human weakness could not obtain. Although her constitution was very frail, her spirit was endowed with such singular strength that, knowing the will of God in her regard, she permitted nothing to impede her from accomplishing what seemed beyond her strength.

Patron Saint: Immigrants

Also Known as: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Memorial: December 22nd

Born: 1850 in Lombardi, Italy

Died: December 1917 in Chicago Illinois

Beautified: November 13th 1938

Canonized: July 7th 1946 by Pope Pius XII

Additional Patronages: Hospital administrators, Emigrants and Orphans

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Unable to accept the veil because of poor health, she became a Catholic girls school teacher in the House of Providence Orphanage. She was so successful in educating her students, that she was accepted into the order, and took her religious vows after 6 years of work.

With her continued success at teaching, her remarkable charity and piousness, she was asked by the Bishop of Italy, to establish the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

With evermore continued successes as Mother Superior of the Missionary, Pope Leo XIII sent her to the United States to establish the Mission there.

In the United States, the mission was founded to work with immigrants, schools, hospitals, orphanages and sick children. The Cabrini Green city in Chicago was named after her.

First citizen of the United States to be Canonized

Miracles:

Beautification: Permanently blind child who was prayed for by intercession to St. Frances had his sight restored

Canonization: A terminally ill nun had prayed the intercession to St. Frances and was cured of her illness.

Saint Frances Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Patron Saint Faith (Pilgrims)

Also Known as: Fides

Memorial: October 6th

Patron Saint: Pilgrims

Additional Patronages: Prisoners and Soldiers

Memorial: October 6th

The death sentence of St. Faith:

Making the sign of the cross on different parts of her body, she uttered this prayer, "Lord Jesus, who art always ready to assist your servants, fortify me at this hour, and enable me to answer in a manner worthy of you."

The tyrant Dacian, assuming an air of mildness, asked her, "What is your name?"

She answered, "My name is Faith, and I endeavor to support in reality what that flame signifies."

Tyrant: "What is your religion?"

Faith: "I have from my infancy served Christ, and to him I have consecrated my whole soul."

Tyrant: "Come, child, have some regard for your youth and beauty; renounce the religion you profess, and sacrifice to Diana, who is a divinity of your own sex, and who will bestow on you the most precious gifts."

Faith: "The divinities of the Gentiles are devils: how then can you advise me to sacrifice to them?"

The tyrant Dacian, in a rage, said: "What! do you presume to call our gods devils! you must resolve instantly to offer sacrifice, or expire under torments."

Saint Faith, calling to mind the courage of the martyrs and the glorious crown promised to those who persevere to the end, far from being terrified at the menaces of the tyrant, feels herself inflamed with a new desire to die for her Lord; "No," cried she, "I not only am prepared to suffer every torment for Christ, but I burn with impatience to die for him."

Dacian, more enraged than ever, ordered a brazen bed to be produced, and the saint to be bound on it with iron chains. A treat fire was kindled under it, the heat of which was rendered still more intolerable by the addition of oil, and other inflammable matter.

The spectators, struck with pity and horror, exclaimed: "How can the tyrant thus torment an innocent young virgin only for worshipping God!"

Hereupon Dacian apprehended numbers of them, and as these refused to sacrifice, they were beheaded with Saint Faith.

Born: Late 200's France

Died: Early 300's France. Tortured and Martyred by beheading

Canonized: Pre-congregation

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Gave her virginity to Christ

During the brutal Diocletian persecutions, Faith was an exceptionally beautiful girl who was unconcerned with earthly life, choosing entire Faith in Christ over the largely pagan society which she lived in

Tortured, beheaded and Martyred in the town square of the Agen city of France for refusing to make a sacrifice to a pagan god. Others in the crowd were deeply sympathetic, and grew angry at the tyrant who was punishing her. These crowd members were also tortured and Martryed alongside her that very day.

Saint Faith Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Patron Saint Eva (Feast of Corpus Christi)

Patron Saint: The Feast of Corpus Christi

Also Known as: Heva, Blessed Eva of Liege

Memorial Feast: May 26th

Canonized: Cultus Confirmed in 1902

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Hermit

Close friend of St. Juliana of Liege, who was the Prioress of Mount Cornillon. Juliana was deeply touched by the enthusiasm of Eva regarding the need for a feast to celebrate the Blessed Sacrament. This was proposed through many channels inside of the Church with little success for years. St. Juliana and St. Eva worked hard together, and in time the Feast was instituted shortly after the accession of Pope Urban.

Saint Eva and Juliana are entirely responsible for the Papal recognition and creation of the Blessed Feast of Corpus Christi

Saint Eva Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Blessed Patron Emma (Lost Families)

Born: Late 10th Century in Germany

Died: 1045 in Austria

Beautified: 1938

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Born to a wealthy German family, vowed celibacy until marriage, bore two boys who ran her husband, the count William of Friesachs' mining operations. Two disgruntled miners killed her two sons, and her husband William vowed revenge on several of the suspected miners and their families. St. Emma convinced William not to seek revenge but to find out who was responsible first. He follwed her advice, and had only the two of the miners charged with the crime.

Shortly after the event, Count William made a pilgrimage to Rome for prayer and guidance. He came back to Emma in sickness and dies several days later. Emma was heartbroken by the loss of her whole family, and gave her entire estate and money to the poor, and founding Churches and Monasteries.

Saint Emma Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

St. Blogustine: "Open Wide The Doors..."

St. Blogustine: "Open Wide The Doors..."

St. Blogustine: The Rebellion!

St. Blogustine: The Rebellion!

Patron Saint Emily (Single Women)

Also known as: Saint Emily De Vialar or St. Emily of Versailles

Memorial: June 17th

Born: 1797, Southern France

Died: August, 1856

Canonized: 1951 by Pope Pius XII

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Devoted to Celibacy and Prayer

Established the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition

Responsible for starting over 40 houses of Charity around Europe, Africa and Asia, thus spreading the message of Christ to these regions.

Saint Emily Pendants and Charm Medals

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Patron Saint Elizabeth (Young Brides)

Patron Saint: Young Brides

Also Known as: St. Elizabeth of Hungary

St. Elizabeth was the wife of Zachary and the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth was also "of the daughters of Aaron" (Luke 1:5) Elizabeth was visited by the Archangel Gabriel (Luke 1:8 - 20) with the promise of a Blessed son in her womb. Elizabeth was much older than the average age of child bearing women at that time, John was her first. The birth of John is considered by the Bible a Miracle.

Prayer of St Elizabeth:

Almighty God, by whose grace your servant Elizabeth of Hungary recognized and honored Jesus in the poor of this world:

Grant that we, following her example, may with love and gladness serve those in any need or trouble.

In the name and for the sake of and through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Name Means: Worshipper of God

Memorial: November 17th

Born: In Hungary - 1207

Died: In Germany - 1231 - Natural causes

Canonized: May of 1235 by Pope Gregory IX

Additional Patronages: Bakers, Charities, Beggars, Homeless people and in-law problems

*Daughter of King Andrew of Hungary

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Zealot of the poor, sick and for the teachings of Jesus Christ

selling her fortune and giving it to the poor

Miracles: When bringing food to the poor, her brother the Prince tried to reveal what she was hiding. The food was miraculously changed to roses when he opened her bag

Saint Elizabeth Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Patron Saint Edith (Patron of Europe)

Prayer Reading:

God is there in these moments of rest and can give us in a single instant exactly what we need. Then the rest of the day can take its course, under the same effort and strain, perhaps, but in peace. And when night comes, and you look back over the day and see how fragmentary everything has been, and how much you planned that has gone undone, and all the rasons you have to be embarrassed and ashamed: just take everything exactly as it is, put it in God’s hands and leave it with Him. Then you will be able to rest in Him -- really rest -- and start the next day as a new life.

-Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Memorial: August 9th

Also Known as: Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein

Born: October 12th 1891 in modern day Poland

Died: August 9th 1942. Gassed in the Aushwitz nazi concentration camp

Additional Patronages: Loss of Parents, Martyrs, World Youth Day

Beautified: May 1st 1987 by Pope John Paul II in Germany

Canonized: October 11th 1998 by Pope John Paul II

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Doctor of Philosophy, who converted to Catholicism from Judaism after seeing the zeal of the Faith of her Catholic friends

Carmelite Nun who took the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Teacher

Remarkably insightful writer

Inspired and converted many in Europe

Martyred by the nazis in the Auschwitz concentration camp

Saint Edith Medals

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Patron Saint Dymphna

Prayer of St Dymphna (for nervousness or distress):

Patron: Mental Health

I turn to you, dear virgin and martyr, confident of your power with God and of your willingness to take my cause into your hands. I praise and bless the Lord for giving you to us as patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I firmly hope that through your kind intercession He will restore my lost serenity and peace of mind. May He speak to my heart and reassure me: "My peace I give you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid."
Pray for me, dear St. Dymphna, that my nervous and emotional turmoil may cease, and that I may again know serenity and personal peace.
Amen.

Memorial: May 15th

Additional Patronages: Family happiness, against sleepwalking, care givers and Therapists

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Miracles: The site of her death in Belgium is known to cure epileptics and mental instability

Saint Dymphna Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com