SAINT OF THE DAY SUNDAY, 22 FEBRUARY, 2026 THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER “THE THRONE OF TRUTH” The “chair” symbolizes the authority of St Peter and his successors who have served the Church of Jesus Christ as the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). The chair is a symbol representing the 2,000-year-old papacy and unity the Pope continues to bring to Catholics around the world. Without such unity the Church would splinter into numerous sects and divisions. CATHEDRA So, every year on February 22, the Church celebrates the continuing role of the Pope, the Vicar of Christ, beginning with St Peter. The use of the term chair in the feast day comes from the Latin term cathedra, meaning the seat of government. This object--known as the Cathedra Petri (Latin, "Chair of Peter") is located in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica. It is in the back of the chamber, behind the famous altar, on the far, back wall, below the the well-known, stained glass image depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks the Twelve Apostles, “Who do you say that I am?”. The only response Jesus acknowledged was that of Peter, who said that Jesus was the son of the living God. Peter is singled out among the apostles to be the rock of Christ's Church on earth, “the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (v. 18). After the Resurrection, Jesus confirms Peter's primacy over the other apostles as well as authority over His Church. He gives Peter the keys to the kingdom, telling him: to “Feed my lambs…. Feed my sheep” (see Jn 21:15-17), which is meant to be passed on to each of his successors. THE ROCK St. Peter quietly begins to take on the role assigned by Christ beginning in the Upper Room. The Church's first ‘seat' was the Upper Room, and it is likely that a special place was reserved for Simon Peter in that room where Mary, Mother of Jesus, also prayed with the disciples. Peter orchestrated the selection of Matthias to replace Judas, which was the first apostolic succession (Acts 1:15-26). Peter preached on that day of Pentecost and was so inspirational that 3,000 people were baptized after listening to him (Acts 2:41). He was the first apostle to be given the grace to perform a miracle; curing the lame man at “the Beautiful gate” (Acts 3:1-10). King Herod Agrippa had Peter arrested and shackled in prison between two guards, but an “angel of the Lord” saved him (Acts 12:1-10). Peter's decisive speech at the Council of Jerusalem in A.D. 50 resolved the debate there (Acts 15:6-12). That he was singled out for a special role among all the apostles is undisputable. Around A.D. 34, Peter went to Antioch and established there a seat, or chair, of government. Peter remained there for seven years, and the Church would acknowledge his work in Antioch by establishing the feast of St. Peter's Chair in Antioch, celebrated on February 22 every year. Next, Peter went to Rome, the center of the civilized world. Peter's efforts there would identify him as the first Bishop of Rome. In A.D. 68, he was crucified by Emperor Nero. WHAT IS THE ALTAR OF THE CHAIR? In St. Peter's Basilica is the Altar of the Chair of Peter, completed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1666. The altar was designed to enclose the wooden throne of St. Peter and included four gigantic statues of Doctors of the Church: St. Ambrose, St. Anthanasius, St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine. The alabaster above the altar window shows the Holy Spirit as a dove and casts a stunning light. Pope Benedict XVI said of the chair: “What does this sculptural composition say to us, this product of Bernini's genius? It represents a vision of the essence of the Church and the place within the Church of the Petrine Magisterium. … The great bronze throne encloses a wooden chair from the ninth century, which was long thought to be St. Peter's own chair and was placed above this monumental altar because of its great symbolic value. It expresses the permanent presence of the apostle in the Magisterium of his successors. St. Peter's chair, we could say, is the throne of truth which takes its origin from Christ's commission after the confession at Caesarea Philippi. The magisterial chair also reminds us of the words spoken to Peter by the Lord during the Last Supper: ‘I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren' (Lk 22:32)” (Homily, Feb. 19, 2012). THE CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA STATES OF THE ORIGINAL CHAIR: The seat is about one foot ten inches above the ground, and two feet eleven and seven-eighths inches wide; the sides are two feet one and one-half inches deep; the height of the back up to the tympanum is three feet five and one-third inches; the entire height of the chair is four feet seven and one-eighth inches. According to the examination then made by Padre Garucci and Giovanni Battista de Rossi, the oldest portion is a perfectly plain oaken arm-chair with four legs connected by cross-bars. The wood is much worm-eaten, and pieces have been cut from various spots at different times, evidently for relics. To the right and left of the seat four strong iron rings, intended for carrying-poles, are set into the legs. PRAYER: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that no tempests may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter's confession of faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I kind of laughed when I heard it was St Peter's Feast Day/. Why? Well because in recent times he has become quite famous and much quoted for his stance against homosexuality , especially amongst the clergy. I laughed imagining a priest anywhere quoting him in a homily anywhere here in the West. If he did he would be torn to pieces by an angry mob before he even got out of the Pulpit. https://www.catholictradition.org/deceit-damian.htm 'The Saint distinguished between the various forms of sodomy and the stages of sodomical corruption beginning with solitary and mutual masturbation and ending with interfemoral (between the thighs) stimulation and anal coitus, noting that there is a tendency among prelates to treat the first three degrees of the vice with an "improper leniency," preferring to reserve dismissal from the clerical state for only those men proven to be involved in anal penetration. The result, Damian states, is that a man, guilty of the "lesser" degrees of the vice, accepts his milder penances, but remains free to pollute others without the least fear of losing his rank. The predictable result of his superior's leniency, says Damian, is that the vice spreads, the culprit grows more daring in his illicit acts knowing he will not suffer any critical loss of his clerical status, he loses all fear of God and his last state is worse than his first. St. Peter Damian condemns the audacity of men who are "habituated to the filth of this festering disease," and yet dare to present themselves for holy orders, or if already ordained, remain in office. Was it not for such crimes that Almighty God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and slew Onan for deliberately spilling his seed on the ground? he asks. Quoting St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians (Eph 5:5) he continues, "... if an unclean man has no inheritance at all in Heaven, how can he be so arrogant as to presume a position of honor in the Church, which is surely the kingdom of God?" [15] The holy monk likens sodomites seeking holy orders, to those citizens of Sodom who threatened "to use violence against the upright Lot" and were about to break down the door when they were smitten with blindness by the two angels and could not find the doorway. Such men, he says, are stricken with a similar blindness, and "by the just decree of God they fall into interior darkness." If they were humble they would be able to find the door that is Christ, but they are blinded by their "arrogance and conceit," and "lose Christ because of their addiction to sin," never finding "the gate that leads to the heavenly dwelling of the Saints," Damian laments. Not sparing those ecclesiastics who knowingly permit sodomites to enter holy orders or remain in clerical ranks while continuing to pollute their office, the holy monk lashes out at "do-nothing superiors of clerics and priests," reminding them that they should be trembling for themselves because they have become "partners in the guilt of others," by permitting "the destructive plague" of sodomy to continue in their ranks. Homosexual Bishops Who Prey on their Spiritual Sons Then comes the harshest judgment which is reserved for those bishops who "commit these absolutely damnable acts with their spiritual sons." "Who can expect the flock to prosper when its shepherd has sunk so deep into the bowels of the devil who will make a mistress of a cleric, or a woman of a man? Who, by his lust, will consign a son whom he spiritually begotten for God to slavery under the iron law of Satanic tyranny," the Saint pours out in disgust. Drawing an analogy between the sentence inflicted on the father who engages in familial incest with his daughter or the priest who commits "sacrilegious intercourse" with a nun, with the defilement of a cleric by his superior, he asks if the latter should escape condemnation and retain his holy office? Actually, the latter case deserves an even worse punishment says he because whereas the prior two cases involved natural intercourse, a religious superior guilty of sodomy has not only committed a sacrilege with his spiritual son, but has also violated the law of nature. Such a superior damns not only his own soul but takes another with him, Damian states.'
SAINT OF THE DAY MONDAY, 23 FEBRUARY, 2026 SAINT POLYCARP OF SMYRNA BISHOP AND MARTYR (A.D.69 - 155 A.D.) St. Polycarp was one of the apostolic Fathers who heard the Apostle John preach and became his disciple. He received St. Ignatius when he came as a prisoner on his way to martyrdom in Rome in 110 A. D. In his letter to Polycarp, Ignatius urged him to "Give ye heed to the bishop that God may give heed to you." Polycarp subsequently became Bishop of Smyrna. St. Irenaeus praises him for his respect and devotion to tradition and sound doctrine. He may have been him whom St. John addressed in Revelation 2: 11, as the "angel of the church in Smyrna," to whom the Master says, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." About 155 or 156 A.D. he was sentenced to a martyr's death. Below are excerpts from his only surviving letter and from the "The Martyrdom of Polycarp," the oldest extant account of Christian martyrdom, written in the form of a letter from the Church of Symyrna to the Church of God at Philomelium in Greater Phrygia. [SECOND] LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS (135 A.D.) CHAPTER 6 [HIS ADVICE TO PRIESTS AND LAITY] "And let the presbyters be compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always 'providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man; ' abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far off from all covetousness, not quickly crediting [an evil report] against any one, not severe in judgment, as knowing that we are all under a debt of sin. If then we entreat the Lord to forgive us, we ought also ourselves to forgive; for we are before the eyes of our Lord and God, and 'we must all appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself.' Let us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has commanded us, and as the apostles who preached the Gospel unto us, and the prophets who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Lord [have alike taught us]. Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves from causes of offence, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error." THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT POLYCARP [9: 3] [Before being burned alive] "When the [Roman] Proconsul urged him and said, 'Take the oath [to the emperor as god] and I will release you; revile Christ' Polycarp answered: 'Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has never done wrong.' How then, should I be able to blaspheme my King who has saved me?" [14: 3] ". . . In this way and for all things I do praise you, I do bless you, I do glorify you through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, your beloved Child: through whom be glory to you with Him and with the Holy Spirit, both now and through ages yet to come. Amen." [15] "When he had pronounced this amen, and so finished his prayer, those who were appointed for the purpose kindled the fire. And as the flame blazed forth in great fury, we, to whom it was given to witness it, beheld a great miracle, and have been preserved that we might report to others what then took place. For the fire, shaping itself into the form of an arch, like the sail of a ship when filled with the wind, encompassed as by a circle the body of the martyr. And he appeared within not like flesh which is burnt, but as bread that is baked, or as gold and silver glowing in a furnace. Moreover, we perceived such a sweet odour [coming from the pile], as if frankincense or some such precious spices had been smoking there." [16] "At length, when those wicked men perceived that his body could not be consumed by the fire, they commanded an executioner to go near and pierce him through with a dagger. And on his doing this, there came forth a dove, and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished; and all the people wondered that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect, of whom this most admirable Polycarp was one, having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna. For every word that went out of his mouth either has been or shall yet be accomplished." [19] "This, then, is the account of the blessed Polycarp, who, being the twelfth that was martyred in Smyrna (reckoning those also of Philadelphia), yet occupies a place of his own in the memory of all men, in so much that he is everywhere spoken of by the heathen themselves. He was not merely an illustrious teacher, but also a pre-eminent martyr, whose martyrdom all desire to imitate, as having been altogether consistent with the Gospel of Christ. For, having through patience overcome the unjust governor, and thus acquired the crown of immortality, he now, with the apostles and all the righteous [in heaven], rejoicing(ly) glorifies God, even the Father, and blesses our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls, the Governor of our bodies, and the Shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world." PATRON: Against ear ache, dysentery. PRAYER: God of all creation, who were pleased to give the Bishop Saint Polycarp a place in the company of the Martyrs, grant, through his intercession, that sharing with him in the chalice of Christ, we may rise through the Holy Spirit to eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
All these Martyrs! Now that the Red Dawn of our own Martyrdom comes before us, what a lesson this is to us all! One thing I had forgotten is that dying for the Faith wipes the slate clean of sin! We would go straight to heaven like a rocket ship! For a great sinner like me this is much to be hoped for.
SAINT OF THE DAY TUESDAY, 24 FEBRUARY, 2026 BLESSED TOMMASO MARY(MARIA) FUSCO PRIEST AND FOUNDER CALLED AN “APOSTLE OF CHARITY” (1 December 1831 - 24 February 1891) Thomas Mary Fusco, the seventh of eight children, was born on 1 December 1831 in Pagani, Salerno, in the Diocese of Nocera-Sarno, Italy, to Dr Antonio, a pharmacist, and Stella Giordano, of noble descent. They were known for their upright moral and religious conduct, and taught their son Christian piety and charity to the poor. He was baptized on the day he was born in the parish of S. Felice e Corpo di Cristo. In 1837, when he was only six years old, his mother died of cholera and a few years later, in 1841, he also lost his father. Fr Giuseppe, an uncle on his father's side and a primary school teacher, then took charge of his education. Since 1839, the year of the canonization of St Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, little Tommaso had dreamed of church and the altar; in 1847 he was at last able to enter the same diocesan seminary of Nocera which his brother Raffaele would leave after being ordained a priest in 1849. On 1 April 1851, Tommaso Maria received the sacrament of Confirmation and on 22 December 1855, after completing his seminary formation, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Agnello Giuseppe D'Auria. In those years, sorrowful because of the loss of his loved ones, including his uncle (1847) as well as his young brother, Raffaele (1852), the devotion to the Patient Christ and to his Blessed Sorrowful Mother, already dear to the entire Fusco family, took root in Tommaso Maria, as in fact his biographers recall: "He had a deep devotion to the crucified Christ which he cherished throughout his life". Right from the start he saw to the formation of boys for whom he opened a morning school in his own home, while for young people and adults, bent on increasing their human and Christian formation, he organized evening prayers at the parish church of S. Felice e Corpo di Cristo. This was a true place of conversion and prayer. In 1857, he was admitted to the Congregation of the Missionaries of Nocera under the title of St Vincent de Paul and became an itinerant missionary, especially in the regions of Southern Italy. In 1860 he was appointed chaplain at the Shrine of our Lady of Carmel in Pagani, where he built up the men's and women's Catholic associations and set up the altar of the Crucified Christ and the Pious Union for the Adoration of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. In 1862 he opened a school of moral theology in his own home to train priests for the ministry of confession, kindling enthusiasm for the love of Christ's Blood; that same year, he founded the "(Priestly) Society of the Catholic Apostolate" for missions among the common people; in 1874 he received the approval of Pope Pius IX, now blessed. Deeply moved by the sorry plight of an orphan girl, a victim of the street, after careful preparation in prayer for discernment, Fr Tommaso Maria founded the Congregation of the "Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood" on 6 January, the Solemnity of Epiphany in 1873. This institute was inaugurated at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the presence of Bishop Raffaele Ammirante, who, with the clothing of the first three sisters with the religious habit, blessed the first orphanage for seven poor little orphan girls of the area. It was not long before the newborn religious family and the orphanage also received the Pope's blessing, in response to their request. Fr Tommaso Maria continued to dedicate himself to the priestly ministry, preaching spiritual retreats and popular missions; and from his apostolic travels sprang the many foundations of houses and orphanages that were a monument to his heroic charity, which was even more ardent in the last 20 years of his life (1870-1891). In addition to his commitments as founder and apostolic missionary, he was parish priest (1874-1887) at the principal church of S. Felice e Corpo di Cristo in Pagani, extraordinary confessor to the cloistered nuns in Pagani and Nocera and, in the last years of his life, spiritual father of the lay congregation at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Fr Tommaso Maria was faced with humiliation and persecution and, in 1880, even a brother priest's slanderous calumny. However, sustained by the Lord, he lovingly carried that cross which own Pastor, Bishop Ammirante had foretold at the time of his institute's foundation: "Have you chosen the title of the Most Precious Blood? Well, may you be prepared to drink the bitter cup". During the harshest of trials, which he bore in silence, he would repeat: "May work and suffering for God always be your glory and in your work and suffering, may God be your consolation on this earth, and your recompense in heaven. Patience is the safeguard and pillar of all the virtues". Wasting away with a liver-disease, Fr Tommaso Maria died a devout death on 24 February 1891, praying with the elderly Simeon: Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word" (Lk 2, 29). The cause for the beatification of Fr Tommaso Maria Fusco was initiated in 1955 and the decree of his heroic Christian virtues was published on 24 April 2001. The miraculous healing of Mrs Maria Battaglia on 20 August 1964 in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicily, through the intercession of Fr. Tommaso Maria Fusco was recognized on 7 July 2001. With his beatification on 7 October 2001, Pope John Paul II presents Fr. Tommaso Maria Fusco as an example and a guide to holiness for priests, for the people of God and for his spiritual daughters, the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood. PATRON: Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood. PRAYER: O Lord my God, give me the strength to endure with patience the sufferings I encounter in my life. Teach me to do my daily work for You alone and to do more than that in every way I can, for your greater glory. Blessed Thomas Mary Fusco, pray that we may achieve the crown of glory in heaven. Amen.
Another saint who was persecuted by his fellow clergy. You can almost count on it. There is a huge lesson for us who live in the Great Apostacy. I must admit a preference for the bad boy saints; that saints who had been great sinners. Here we see huge miracles of grace, I can totally relate to these people. Matthew 21:31 Which of those two did the will of his father?” They said unto Him, “The first.” Jesus said unto them, “Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you.
SAINT OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY, 2026 SAINT WALBURGA ABBESS (c.710 - February 25, 777) St. Walburga was born around 710. She is the daughter of St. Richard and the niece of St. Boniface. When St. Richard set out for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his sons, St. Willibald & St. Winibald, he entrusted 11 year old Walburga to the monastery school at Wimborne. She remained as a nun, spending a total of 26 years there. The monastery was famous for holiness and austere discipline. There was a high standard at Wimborne, and the child was trained in solid learning, and in accomplishments suitable to her rank. When St. Boniface put out an appeal for nuns to help him in the evangelization of Germany, St. Walburga answered the call. On the way to Germany, there was a terrible storm at sea. Walburga knelt on the deck of the ship and prayed. The sea immediately became calm. Some sailors witnessed this and spread the word that she was a wonderworker, so she was received in Germany with great respect. At first, she lived at Bischofsheim, under the rule of St. Lioba. Then she was made abbess at Heidenheim, near to where her brother, Winibald served as an abbot over a men's monastery. After his death, she ruled both monasteries. She worked many miracles in the course of her ministry. THE LIGHT MIRACLE One night when Walburga asked one of the monks to light the candles so that she could go to her room, he refused. Walburga had to find her way alone in the darkness. When her sisters came to accompany her to supper, the hallway was lighted, not by candles, but by a divine light. It lit the dormitory brightly until time for the office of Matins. The nuns went to Walburga, filled with joy over the miracle, and she prayed to the Lord in these words: "Oh Lord, as a humble maid who committed my life to you since my youth, I thank you for granting this grace. You have honored me in my unworthiness with the comfort of your light. This sign gives courage to the souls of your handmaids who are dependent on me. And you have driven out the darkness and our fear through the bright light of your mercy." There is a tradition in the Church of Antwerp that, on her way to Germany, Walburga made some stay there; and in that city's most ancient church, which now bears the title of St. Walburga, there is pointed out a grotto in which she was wont to pray. This same church, before adopting the Roman Office, was accustomed to celebrate the feast of St. Walburga four times a year. She wrote a biography of her brother, Winibald, and of Willibald's travels in Palestine, in Latin. She is regarded as the first woman author in both England and Germany. On September 23, 776, she assisted Willibald in translating the uncorrupt relics of their brother, Winibald, to a new tomb in the church at Heidenheim. Shortly after this, she fell ill. Willibald cared for her until she died on February 25, 777, then placed her next to Winibald in the tomb. After St. Willibald's death in 786, people gradually forgot St. Walburga and the church fell into disrepair. In 870, Bishop Oktar was having Heidenheim restored. Some workmen desecrated Walburga's grave. She appeared in a dream to the bishop, who then translated her relics to Eichstadt. In 893, St. Walburga's body was found to be immersed in a mysterious sweet-smelling liquid. It was found to work miraculous healings. The liquid, called St. Walburga's oil, has flowed from her body, ever since, except for a brief period when the church was put under the interdict after robbers shed the blood of a bell-ringer in the church. Portions of St. Walburga's relics have taken to several other cities and her oil to all parts of the world. PATRON: She is invoked as special patroness against hydrophobia, against dog bites, against famine, against mad dogs, against plague, against rabies, boatmen, farmers, harvests, mariners, sailors, watermen and in storms. PRAYER: St. Walburga, by your blessed life of love, God blessed you with the power to heal, to make whole the soul as well as the body. Beg for us what we cannot obtain for ourselves, and heal our world of sickness and sorrow. May God hear you, who lived so graciously for His glory, and send us the healing grace we need, through your powerful intercession. Amen.
Imagine being remembered and loved 1500 years after your death. The true Light of Love is hard to extinguish.
SAINT OF THE DAY THURSDAY, 26 FEBRUARY, 2026 SAINT ISABELLE OF FRANCE VIRGIN, PRINCESS AND LAY RELIGIOUS, FOUNDER AND APOSTLE OF MERCY (March 1225 - 23 February, 1270) Saint Isabelle of France was the daughter of King Louis VIII of France. Remembered for extreme devotion to the Lord, even as a child, Saint Isabelle requested spiritual direction and permanent confessors from Pope Innocent IV, who allowed her to retain some local Franciscans for that post. As she matured, she became even more devoted to the Lord, through the direction of the Franciscans, eventually breaking off several engagements (arranged for political reasons by her brother who had assumed the throne), and refusing to marry so as to remain a consecrated virgin for the Lord. Isabelle resided in the royal castle for much of her young adult life, but lived a cloistered life, similar to that of a religious. She refused the lavish appointments and meals offered to her, instead subsisting on meager rations, and donating what she saved to the poor. Her days were spent in service to those in need, specifically the sick and the destitute. Of weak constitution, Isabelle was often ill, specifically with stomach ailments, a condition exacerbated by her fasting and mortification. She loved learning, and went so far as to study Latin so that she could pray the liturgy of the hours and read the Church fathers. Once, the pope wrote to her directly to encourage her to marry the king of Jerusalem for the good of Christendom, but her refusal to him was so humble and wise that he acknowledged her desire to dedicate her life to God alone. Every day, before she ate her dinner, Isabel would seat poor people at her table and serve them herself. She would spend the evening visiting others who were sick and poor. Following the king's return from the Crusades, where he had been imprisoned for some time, Isabelle left the castle, called to found a Franciscan Order for women - the Convent of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin - in Longchamp, France. The sisters of the order spent their days in charity, but as the name of the order suggests, never accepted recognition or reward for their labors, instead glorifying the Lord. The mission of the Franciscan Order was to serve the poor in love. Saint Isabelle was appointed Abbess upon recognition and approval of the Order, but refused, instead preferring to live nearby the monastery, oversee operations from her home in solitude, and re-write the rules governing the work of the sisters. Unpleased with the first rule of the order, which was modified from the Rules of the Order of Poor Clares, Isabelle sought to make the direction of her sisters more strict, eventually succeeding in gaining approval. Isabelle continued to suffer from constant illness, but also, through the grace of God, received mystical graces and experienced numerous ecstasies. During one of these ecstatic visions, she foretold the day and hour she would pass away, which delighted her greatly, as she was eager to return to her Lord. Following her death, she was buried in her habit, and laid to rest in the convent she had founded. Her body was exhumed twice, both times found to be incorrupt. The life of Saint Isabelle suggests to us that our human weaknesses, even those of the body, can be overcome by the grace of God. Isabelle, despite pressure to do otherwise for personal and political gain, resisted the pressure of the Courts of France to marry, remaining a virgin, and consecrating herself to God. She sought out the spiritual direction she needed, listened for the call of the Lord, and followed it without question. Despite sickness and discomfort throughout her life, she found the strength to serve the Lord and those around her. So eager to rejoin her Maker, she was rewarded with knowledge of when that would happen, which she awaited with joy. Saint Isabelle of France inspires us to examine our lives, identifying those small barriers we hide behind, rather than serving God. Whether it be work, sickness, fatigue, or financial security, we all have many reasons—many excuses—to focus on ourselves, rather than on the Lord, and through Him, on those in need around us. This is a perfect opportunity to broaden our view from ourselves to those around us, breaking down our barriers, and embracing the Lord in those we serve. PATRON: Patroness of the Sick. PRAYER TO SAINT ISABELLA Father of peace and love, You gave Saint Isabella the gift of reconciling enemies. By the help of her prayers give us the courage to work for peace among all that we may be called the children of God. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. St. Isabelle of France: Pray for us!
One of my favorite Saints today. St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, C.P., played a very important role in St. Gemma's life. He was a Passionist monk who lived from 1838-1862. He died before Gemma was born and like Gemma was both Italian and passed away in the flower of his youth (age 24). St. Gemma had an extraordinary devotion to (at that time Venerable Gabriel), whom she considered her Patron and Protector. Gabriel appeared to Gemma many times giving advice and words of encouragement from Heaven. He was instrumental in miraculously healing her. In one of his apparitions to her, he placed the Badge of the Passionists on Gemma's side and said prophetically, "You will be a Passionist." Back to Photo Gallery Main Page
SAINTS OF THE DAY FRIDAY, 27 FEBRUARY, 2026 SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK SAINT GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK ABBOT & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (c. 945–1003) Saint Gregory of Narek was an Armenian monk, poet, and mystic whose words still feel astonishingly intimate—like a prayer whispered straight from the heart. Gregory was born into a scholarly family in the Armenian kingdom of Vaspurakan. After his mother died young, he was raised at the Monastery of Narek, where his uncle Anania was a renowned teacher. Narek wasn't just a monastery. It was a center of learning, prayer, music, and poetry. Gregory grew up steeped in Scripture and theology, but also in deep inner reflection. As an Armenian monk, Gregory lived humbly and taught at the monastic school. He wrote his prayers in the encyclopedia of prayer for all nations in the hope that the book would one day guide people of all nations around the world to prayer. He was a leader of the well-developed school of Armenian mysticism at the Monastery and was asked to answer the question, "What can one offer to God, our creator, who already has everything and knows everything better than we could ever express it?" In his Book of Prayer, also called the Book of Lamentations or the Song of Songs, Gregory wrote that the answer to the question is "the sighs of the heart." The book contains 91 prayers and was completed one year before he died. Gregory's masterpiece, written near the end of his life, is the Book of Lamentations (sometimes called Narek). It's not a theology textbook—it's a long, poetic conversation with God. He speaks openly of fear, guilt, doubt, love, hope, and longing for healing. Instead of preaching to people, he prays with them. For centuries, Armenians have treated this book almost like a sacred companion—kept in homes, read for comfort, and even believed to bring healing. From early on, he felt the tension between human weakness and divine mercy. That struggle became the core of his life's work. A MISUNDERSTOOD SAINT During his lifetime, Gregory was sometimes suspected of holding controversial theological views. He suffered quietly under these accusations, choosing humility over defense. After his death, his holiness became unmistakable, and his writings were recognized as profoundly orthodox and spiritually deep. LEGACY He is considered one of the greatest poets of Christian mysticism. On April 12, 2015, Pope Francis declared him a Doctor of the Church, a rare honor—especially significant as Gregory was the first Armenian saint to receive it. Today, he stands as a bridge between Eastern and Western Christian spirituality. Several miracles and traditions have been traced back to Gregory and he is known as "the watchful angel in human form." REFLECTION: Saint Gregory of Narek teaches that you don't have to be perfect to pray—you just have to be honest. His voice reaches across a thousand years and says, “Bring your brokenness. God can meet you there.” SYMBOL: Saint Gregory has been depicted holding his book of prayer in a variety of artwork. PATRON: Though he has yet to be proclaimed the patron saint of a particular patronage, his Book of Prayer has been used to treat several diseases including schizophrenia, Hepatitis C, periodic disease, stress symptoms and depression. PRAYER: Prepare the earth for the day of light and let the soil bloom and bring forth fruit, heavenly cup of life-giving blood, ever sacrificed, never running dry all for the salvation and life of the souls in eternal rest. And though my body die in sin, with Your grace and compassion, may I be strengthened in You, cleansed of sin through You, and renewed by You with life everlasting, and at the resurrection of the righteous be deemed worthy of Your Father's blessing. To Him together with You, all glory, and with the Holy Spirit, praise and resounding thanks, now, always and forever, Amen. _
SAINT GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS PASSIONIST (March 1, 1838 – February 27, 1862) Francisco Possenti was born in Assisi on March 1, 1838, the eleventh child of Sante Possenti and Agnes Frisciotti. His father Sante was a distinguished Italian lawyer. The boy was given the name of the city's illustrious patron, St. Francis, at baptism. Francis (who later look the religious name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows) had a “sweet, good-humored, persevering, settled and generous temperament, and also possessed a sensible heart full of affection…He was well-spoken, proper, intelligent, loving and full of a surprising grace…” He was very tall in stature (around 1.7 meters), and had “ a good voice, was agile and well-formed” In 1841 Sante moved the family to Spoleto where he was appointed magistrate. In that same year, the youngest Possenti child died at just six months old; Francis' nine-year old sister, Adele, soon followed. Just days later, his heartbroken mother was also called to eternal life. Francis had lost his mother when he was just 4 years old. In 1846 Francis' brother, Paul, was killed in the Italian war with Austria. Another brother, Lawrence, later took his own life. Such events, however, did not rob Francis of his spirit and cheerfulness. During his formative years, Francis attended the school of the Christian brothers and then the Jesuit college in Spoleto. Young Francis wished to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, not yet 17. Following the death of a sister to cholera, his resolve to enter religious life became even stronger. At sixteen, he suffered a life-threatening illness. Praying for a cure, Francis promised to become a religious. With recovery, however, Francis quickly forgot his promise. But God's call would not be denied, and Francis soon turned his heart to the Congregation of the Passionists. The decisive step was taken while seeing the highly honored miraculous picture of our Lady in Spoleto borne about in solemn procession. As his eyes followed our Blessed Mother, Francis felt the fire of divine love rising in his heart and almost at once made the resolve to join the Passionists, a religious congregation dedicated to the veneration of and meditation on the passion of Jesus Christ (1856). Sante Possenti was less than pleased with his teenage son's decision. But the young man was not to be dissuaded. Immediately after completion of his schooling, he left for the Passionist novitiate in Morrovalle. In the novitiate, he cultivated a great love for Christ Crucified. Francis received the Passionist habit on September 21, 1856, which that year was the Feast of the Sorrowful Mother. He was given the name: Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. A year later he took his vows. His monastic life preparing for the priesthood made Gabriel a secluded, non-public figure. His writings reflect his close relationship with God and His mother. Gabriel's heroism lay in his obedient attitude. He conformed himself to his community in complete humility. Little is known of his life - only that he was blessed with an excellent memory and other gifts that made him an outstanding student. He also had a great devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Sorrows of Mary. A TIME OF STRIFE The new Passionist province of Pieta, to which Gabriel belonged, was in the center of this chaos in Italy. By 1860, the Passionists had ceased apostolic work due to the growing threats surrounding the community. For safety's sake, the Passionist superiors transferred all their novices to an isolated monastery at Isola in the Abruzzi Mountains of the kingdom of Naples. Soldiers arrived in Isola and went about robbing buildings and burning houses. Gabriel asked permission to go into town in order to help the frightened townspeople. He soon encountered a soldier who had apprehended a young girl. The soldiers mocked the young monk. They seemed to think that an ordinary monk would not stand-up to a soldier. But, eventually, Brother Gabriel forced the company to leave the village in peace. Struck with tuberculosis at the age of 24, Gabriel died in 1862 before his ordination to the priesthood. His fidelity to prayer, joyfulness of spirit and habitual mortifications stand out in his otherwise ordinary life. Pope Leo XIII said of him: "Because of his filial love for Mary at the foot of the cross, he deserves to take his place by St. John, the beloved disciple, to whom Jesus in his dying hour commended his Mother." On Ascension Day, 1920, Pope Benedict XV bestowed the honors of sainthood on a youth who is rightly called the Aloysius of the 19th century. Thousands of divine favors are attributed to his intercession with Christ Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother Mary. Saint Gabriel wrote: "Love Mary!... She is loveable, faithful, constant. She will never let herself be outdone in love, but will ever remain supreme. If you are in danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her. She comes quickly and opens her merciful heart to you, embraces you and consoles and serves you. She will even be at hand to accompany you on the trip to eternity." St. Gabriel's life reveals that a profound love for the Mother of Sorrows is of the very essence of the Passionist charism, for it was Mary who appeared to young Paul Francis Daneo, the Passionist founder, and called him to found the Congregation. Saint Gemma Golgani, upon reading the life of Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, felt a strong spiritual tie with him and he appeared to her on many occasions in order to guide her and console her. Gabriel is known for writing, “Our perfection does not consist of doing extraordinary things but of doing the ordinary well.” PATRON: Abruzzi region of Italy; Catholic Action; clerics; students; young people in general. PRAYER: O Good Saint Gabriel, God inspired you to see the Passion of Jesus as it was reflected in the heart of Mary His Mother. By her side you stood beneath the cross of Jesus, gazing on Him as she did and learning the meaning of love. O Saint Gabriel, we wish, like you, to grow in love for God and all God's people. Remember us in our trials, remember especially those who are young. Support us by your prayers all our days. And when this life is done may we join you in heaven in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen
I think one thing about St Gabriel Possenti is not so much that he was a young saint but that he was a young saint who got noticed. It is so easy not to notice that someone is holy, especially when they are so young. We just don't expect some young to be holy. Years and years ago I met a young man from Scotland in his early twenties who was a Passionist novice and who several people had told me was a saint. When I met him I found indeed he was very,very holy. But if people had not warned me I suspect I never would have realised,
SAINT OF THE DAY SATURDAY, 28 FEBRUARY, 2026 BLESSED DANIEL BROTTIER CATHOLIC PRIEST (7 September 1876 – 28 February 1936) Daniel Brottier was born on September 7, 1876 in Ferte-Saint-Cyr in the diocese of Blois, northern France. Quite early on he showed an interest in the faith. Gifted with intelligence, good judgment, and a loving heart, he quickly showed himself to be headstrong and boisterous, and dreamt only of cuts and bumps. When he was five, he declared to his mother that he would become pope. “You must first become a priest,” she explained. “I will be a priest!” Not surprisingly, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest on October 22, 1899. However, not content with working for the Catholics of France, he decided to give his life to bringing the gospel to unbelievers. With this in mind he entered the congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers. He was sent as a missionary to Senegal, W. Africa where he worked with great drive and commitment in the parish of St. Louis After completing his novitiate, the now-Father Brottier was sent by the congregation to serve as a vicar in a mission parish in Saint-Louis, Senegal in 1903. He was disappointed that he had been assigned to a city rather than the more difficult interior. Brottier had felt called to a more contemplative life than he had been living as a missionary in Africa, but the stay at Lérins rid him of that idea. As Brottier wrote to his sisters, "I lived unforgettable hours in the recollection of the cloister in an atmosphere of sacrifice and immolation. But the lack of sleep, and especially of food, wore me down, and after a few days I had to yield to the evidence: I was not made for this kind of life". He was recalled to France in 1911 and became involved in raising funds for the cathedral of Dakar, capital city of Senegal. The First World War intervened. He was enlisted in the French forces and worked in the Red Cross with the function of chaplain. In this capacity, he took part in the battles of Lorraine, the Somme, Verdun and Flanders. One of the fortunate few to survive the war, he founded the National Union of Ex-Servicemen shortly after leaving the French forces. In 1923, the Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Dubois, asked the Congregation of the Holy Spirit to take over the Orphans of Auteuil, a shelter for the many half-starved children living on the streets of Paris. Providing refuge and education for children was an early and ongoing option for the Congregation, which often had orphanages attached to seminaries and schools. Fr. Daniel Brottier took up the task. For 13 years, Fr. Brottier lived among these abandoned children. He welcomed them, listened to them and suffered with them in their misery. Of the orphanage, Fr. Brottier wrote; “So they turn, up full of confidence, at Auteuil. They have heard that in this house, as long as space can be found, children like them will get something to eat and drink, and a place to sleep. Even better, they have been told that at Auteuil you are taught how to work and prepare for the future, so that there will be no more talk of the miseries suffered in the past. And later on, they can start a family of their own, full of joy and love.” Fr. Brottier, without thinking of himself, tried to give the children at least sufficient comfort to make them want to live like everybody else: “Believe me, there has to be a minimum of well-being and comfort if these young people are to grow up without bitterness. Otherwise they will later on sow the seeds of revolt and anarchy in society”. FINDING ALLIES IN A PRACTICAL UNION WITH GOD Daniel Brottier found an ally and friend for his life and work – Thérèse of Lisieux. At Auteuil, he “plotted” with her many ways of “tempting Providence” for the running and development of the work for orphans. Although preeminently a man of action, his work flowed from an interior “practical union” with God. He put it this way: “If Providence exists, if God is concerned about orphans and abandoned children, if the birds of the fields and the lilies in the valleys are dear to him, if the merits of some can go to help others, ….then in that case, we must act out this belief. We must not doubt Providence. We must pray and act…with that programme we can flatten mountains. We must press on with total confidence in God. Either we have faith, or we don't have faith.” Blessed Daniel is remembered for saying: “My secret is this: help yourself and heaven will help you. ... I have no other secret. If the good God worked miracles, through Thérèse's intercession, I think I can say in all justice that we did everything, humanly speaking, to be deserving, and that they were the divine reward of our work, prayers and trust in providence.” Father Brottier died on February 28, 1936 in the Hospital of Saint Joseph in Paris. He was buried in the Chapel of St. Thérèse in Auteuil on April 5, 1936. He was declared venerable in 1983, and beatified on November 25, 1984, by Pope John Paul II. REFLECTION: Blessed Daniel might be called “Teflon Dan” since nothing seemed to harm him while in the midst of war. God intended to use him in some pretty wonderful ways for the good of the Church and he willingly served. He is a good example for all of us. PRAYER: O God, light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who set blessed Daniel in the Church to feed your sheep by his words and form them by his example, grant that through his intercession we may keep the faith he taught by his words and follow the way he showed by his example. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
SAINT OF THE DAY SUNDAY, 1 MARCH, 2026 SAINT ALBINUS OF ANGERS ABBOT AND BISHOP (470 AD - 1 March, 549 AD) Albinus was born to a noble Gallo-Roman family at Vannes, Brittany. He was a pious child and when he was still young he entered the monastic life at a place then called Cincillac, (Later the name was changed to St. Aubin's in his honor) against the wishes of his parents. At Cincillac, he became a model of virtue. Albinus embraced the austerities of monastic life and accepted doing the most humble chores without complaining. He was courageous in his defense of his faith and in proclaiming truth. His burning desire was to live for Christ. Respected by the other monks for setting a good example and his devotion to prayer. Albinus was elected abbot when he was just 35. The monastery flourished under his modest Rule, and the monks at Tintillant were enriched by his wisdom. In 529, after serving 25 years as abbot, Albinus was named Bishop of Angers. Although his opinions were now sought by royalty, his manner remained unpretentious. As bishop, Albinus worked for the greater good of his people, instructing them in their faith. The custom during Albinus' time allowed for consanguinary marriage (marriage between those closely related through blood). Albinus felt that this was incest and fought against it, making many enemies, especially among some of the powerful families practicing consanguinity. With the support of King Childebert, finally, in 538 and again in 541, Councils were called at Orleans and this practice was condemned, along with other immoral activities. When his diocese was raided by pagan invaders and countless citizens were taken into slavery, Albinus made every effort to ransom them while giving generously to the sick and the poor. Albinus was a contemporary of St. Bede. We owe appreciation to St. Albinus for assisting St. Bede in composing his “Ecclesiastical History of the English.” St. Bede records this fact in the letter he sent to Albinus with a copy of the work. St. Bede also spoke very highly of Albinus, stating that he was a most learned man in all the sciences, and giving Albinus credit for his assistance. As bishop, Albinus preached every day, and took great care of the sick and the poor. He had a special care for widows who were raising large families. He also was famous for his work ransoming captives. Nearby barbarian forces would raid the cities, and he spent large amounts of money to buy back prisoners who had been enslaved. Once, the king himself carried off a beautiful young girl and locked her away for his own pleasure. When Albinus heard about it, he went directly to the castle and demanded her freedom. The guards dared not oppose him and handed her over. The king did not pursue, but had the gall to demand a ransom for her freedom, which Albinus paid himself. Many miracles were attributed to Albinus. According to one story, when he was unable to procure the release of some badly treated prisoners, he prayed in front of the prison until a landslide destroyed it, allowing the men to escape. They then reformed and became model Christians and citizens. Albinus died March 1, 549, and his relics are enshrined at Angers. King Childebert built a church over his burial place and became a popular place of pilgrimage.. Many churches in France, as well as monasteries and villages, bear his name. Many miracles were attributed to him while he lived and after his death. Some of these are related in writings by Fortunatus, Bishop of Poitiers. Legend says that once Albinus visited a prison where a woman named Etheria, imprisoned for bad debts, fell down at his feet, pleading for his help. A guard pulled his sword and made a move to strike her with it when Albinus turned and breathed in the soldier's face, whereby he fell dead. Soon after, Etheria was released. PATRON: Sick Children, against blindness, against pertussis or whooping cough, against pirate attacks. PRAYER: St. Albinus, we ask your intercession for our friends and loved ones who make bad choices in their lives. We pray for those who are considering marriages that are not approved by God nor sanctioned by the Church, that they will seek to do what is right in God's sight. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. -
I love all these wonderful stories of miracles. I don;t have the least doubt that many of them are true.
From CatholicIreland.net: March 1st - St. David (or Dewi Sant) c. 500 - 589. Summary: St David, abbot and bishop, the patron saint of Wales, where he was an abbot and bishop in the sixth century. He is reputed to have founded a number of monasteries, of strict regime. Patrick Duffy presents the traditions about David St David is patron of Wales, where he was abbot and bishop. Several Irish saints were his pupils and he seemed to influence monastic development in Ireland. Accounts of David’s life are scarce and based on oral tradition and a ‘Life’ written by Rhygyfarch (11th century bishop of St David’s) at a time when the Norman bishop of Canterbury Lanfranc was trying to impose Roman dedications on churches in England and Wales. Rhygyfarch was keen to impress on the recently arrived leaders the importance of the Welsh saint and was not above a little exaggeration. Family The tradition is that David was born at Henvynyw (Vetus-Menevia) in Cardiganshire, and that his father was a prince called Sant who violated David’s mother, a nun (called St Non). Norman bishop Rhygyfarch, who lived from 1057-1099 and wrote a ‘Life of David’ in Latin to impress the Normans, called him Sant ‘holy’ (sanctus by name and by merit). David is said to have been baptised by Ailbe, ‘a bishop of the Munstermen’, who is known to have been in Wales about that time. At monastic school and his own foundations David studied at the local monastic school and after he was ordained priest, he went to study under Paulinus of Wales near the Brecon Beacons. He remained with Paulinus for several years and is said to have cured him of blindness. Paulinus sent David out to make his own monastic foundations. Rhygyfarch says David founded monasteries at Glastonbury, Bath and Leominster, but these are more likely to be Rhygyfarch’s own claims to impress the Normans. But the one monastery we know he founded was that of Mynyw (Menevia) near his own birth place on the extreme south west of South Wales, facing Ireland, and now called St David’s. David lived an austere life of prayer and fasting. Strict discipline The monastery had a most austere regime. Instead of oxen to pull the plough, the monks had to pull their plough on their own shoulders. The diet was strict – consisting of bread, bitter herbs and salt with water or a little milk. David was called Aquaticus, because he drank only water and his monks became known as the Aquatici or “watermen”. Finian of Clonard and Modhomhnoc (see 13th February) both spent time at his monastery. Resolving disputes When the Pelagian heresy was being discussed at the Synod of Brevi (Llandewi Brefi in Cardiganshire), David was summoned to resolve the dispute. Shortly afterwards, in 569, he presided over another Synod held at a place called Lucus Victoriae. The Holy Land and first bishop of Menevia Rhygyfarch says David went to the Holy Land with two other Welsh monks Teilo and Padarn and that he was consecrated archbishop of Wales by the patriarch of Jerusalem – probably another exaggeration! He was bishop (probably not archbishop) of Menevia, the Roman port of Menapia in Pembrokeshire, later known as St. David’s, then the chief point of departure for Ireland. He died around 601 but he continued to be remembered in Ireland, and he is mentioned in the Martyrology of Oengus and in the Catalogue of the Saints of Ireland. Diocese of Menevia The cult of St. David was approved by Pope Callistus II in the year 1120 and two pilgrimages to St David’s were ‘declared‘ to be equal in merit to one pilgrimage to Rome. The Catholic diocese of that area of Wales is still called Menevia; the bishop currently lives in Swansea. ____________________________ ****************************** Memorable Saying for Today Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do. ‘ ~ Last words of David or (Dewi Sant) of Wales ~ (The phrase ‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’ – ‘Do the little things in life’ – is still a well-known maxim in Wales.) ****************************** Our Archive of Saints
