.... Miracle: Historical sources attribute multiple healings to Augustine's intercession and ministry, though no specific medical diagnosis or clinical documentation survives. Medieval accounts describe conversions and spiritual transformations among those he encountered, and post-mortem veneration of his relics at Canterbury Abbey. caveat: Augustine was canonized pre-congregation, before the modern Consulta Medica system (established 1948–1959). His canonization followed early Church recognition of sanctity based on holiness and reputation rather than verified medical miracles. Consulta Medica requirement waived per user instruction. Saint Augustine of Canterbury, pray for us
SAINT OF THE DAY THURSDAY, 28 MAY, 2026 SAINT BERNARD OF MONTJOUX PRIEST (1020 - 1081) Bernard may have been the son of Count Richard of Menthon. It seems more likely though that he was of Italian birth. Nothing is really known of his parentage and early life. Tradition reports that a marriage was being arranged for young Bernard and he fled so as to be free to give his life to God. We do know that he was ordained to the priesthood and that he was appointed Vicar General of the diocese of Aosta, Italy. For approximately forty-two years he traveled throughout the country, visiting the remotest Alpine villages. He would sometimes extend his missionary journeys into the neighboring dioceses of Geneva, Novara and Tarentaise. Bernard had the reputation for enforcing clerical discipline and he built several schools. He is probably most famous for the hospices he built on the summits of passes over the Alps. Many pilgrims from France and Germany would travel over the Alps on their way to Rome, but it was always a possibility that one would die from freezing along the way. In the 9th century a system of hospices had been attempted, but had lapsed long before Bernard's time. Bernard's hospices in the 11th century were placed under the care of clerics and laymen and were well equipped for the reception of all travelers. Eventually these caretakers became Augustinian a monastery was built close by, still exists today. At some point in time Bernard traveled to Rome to receive formal recognition of the hospices and community and to obtain permission to accept novices. Bernard lived to the age of eighty-five and is believed to have died on May 28, 1081 at St. Lawrence Monastery in Novara, Italy. A now-famous breed of dogs, known for its endurance in high altitude and cold, was named in honor of this saint. Bernard's life has been the focus of many romantic plays and stories. Many of us may remember childhood stories of St. Bernard dogs coming to the rescue of stranded or injured victims on Alpine slopes. The dogs almost always seem to have a cask of Brandy attached to their collars and when the victims were revived by a good drink the dogs would lead them to safety. However romance was not what Bernard's life was about. He was strongly committed to the ideals taught by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. Bernard dedicated his life to bring the message of Christ to all and to correct the abuses of clerical life which he saw. He was deeply concerned for the care of the poor and disadvantaged. Living his life in the Alps he knew the dangers present and did what he could to relieve them. He is a model, not of romance, but of deep love and compassion, in imitation of God whom he loved and served with all his heart reprimanded. PATRON: Alpinists; mountain climbers; mountaineers; skiers; travelers in the mountains. SYMBOLS: Man in a mountain setting holding a bishop's crozier; white dog. St. Bernard Of Montjoux: Pray for us!
There is a place nearby selling St Bernard puppies. I see some people round about have them. I love it that they carried little kegs of brandy to revive people If there had not been these Catholic Monasteries high in the mountains how would people ever have gotten over the mountain passes. In Winter? It was the Catholic Monasteries that carried Europe through the Dark Ages after the Fall of Rome. There are 1400 registered Catholic charities in Ireland. What would people do without them all, all over the World? Yet the Catholic Church gets nothing but abuse.
Thanks and God bless you, Prayslie, for each day's post! ... Likewise, thanks and God's blessings to all other contributors...
