SAINT OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY, 8 APRIL, 2026 SAINT JULIE BILLIART RELIGIOUS FOUNDER (JULY 12, 1751 – APRIL 8, 1816) Saint Julie Billiart (1751-1816) is a visionary and virgin of the Church. She was born to wealthy farmers in Cuvilly, France. She displayed an aptitude and interest in religion from an early age. By age seven, she had reportedly memorized the Catechism, and her local priest allowed her to make her First Eucharist and Confirmation at age nine, well before the expected age of thirteen. At that time, her love for the Lord compelled her to a make a vow of chastity, pledging to remain a virgin in service to God. She became known as the “Saint of Cuvilly” by those who encountered her, due to her virtue and grace. At approximately age 16, Julie's family suffered a financial crisis, and Julie left school—which she enjoyed deeply—to work in the fields for her parents. During breaks, Julie could often be found sitting in the hay mounds, reciting Scriptures for the other laborers, telling parables, or instructing from the Catechism. Julie and her family lived in dangerous times, and when she was approximately 30 (as the French Revolution approached), Julie witnessed an attempt on her father's life. This violent event left her so shaken that she gradually became paralyzed and bed-ridden, a state she would remain in for nearly 21 years. During that time, Julie continued to teach to those who visited her bedside. She spent hours each day in prayer and contemplation, and became known for her spiritual direction and advice. Despite her condition, Julie remained peaceful, known for her gentle smile and kind eyes. Her favorite expression, even in her suffering, came to be “How good is the good God.” Julie's devotion to Catholicism, and her willingness to harbor local and visiting priests attracted the attention of French authorities who prohibited such behaviors. Subsequently, Julie was forced to leave her home (smuggled out by friends covered by hay in a hay cart), and spent the next several years being moved from place to place to avoid detection and arrest. It was during this time of great fear that Julie received a vision from the Lord. In her vision, she witnessed herself and a group of women dressed in religious habit—a habit she had never seen before—standing beside the crucified Christ on Calvary. A voice proclaimed, "Behold these spiritual daughters whom I give you in an Institute marked by the cross." With the assistance of a wealthy young woman who had harbored her during her avoidance of the French authorities, Julie founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—an order devoted to religious instruction of the poor, and the training of Catechists. One year later, Julie was miraculously cured of her paralysis. Elected Mother General of the order, under her guidance the Sisters of Notre Dame grew, spreading their charism throughout France and Europe. Over 15 convents were established, with Mother Julie traveling on foot to each of them (over 120 journeys), despite her again failing health. When the Napoleonic Wars put the convents in the path of advancing armies, Mother Julie became ill with anxiety, praying with zeal, and the convents were spared. She and her order nursed the wounded following the battle of Waterloo, a physical and emotional task from which Julie never recovered. Three months later, following constant suffering without complaint, Saint Julie Billiart died peacefully while reciting the Magnificat. Saint Julie Billiart is remembered for her great love of the Lord, and her overwhelming charity to those around her. She instructed the poor, laborers, young women—those who frequently were overlooked by the educational institutions of the time—and demonstrated great love and faith. Saint Julie embraced her suffering, uniting her physical and emotional pains with the crucified Christ, and experiencing a bodily recovery through her faith and confidence in the Resurrection. Her simple recognition of the Lord's goodness guided her every action, leading her to a life of holiness and service. The life of Saint Julie Billiart reminds us that the love of the Lord enables us to overcome all obstacles. Despite loss, hardship, and paralysis, Julie never lost hope and confidence in the goodness of the Lord. PATRON: Sick and Poor SAINT QUOTE: I cannot tire of wondering at the goodness of my God. -St. Julie Billiart PRAYER: Saint Julie, through your great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you were miraculously cured and favored by many graces. By your powerful intercession, obtain for us above all, great trust in God in all difficulties of life, the strength to accomplish in all things the precious will of God and the special grace we now humbly ask of you. Amen.
I read a little bit about the story of this nun years ago. What was so striking in her life was its hiddeness. Rather like Saint Charbel her life seemed so ordinary when after her death heaven pointed to her with great miracles and signs regarding her body.
Her miracles ◾On 29 September 1950, in Campos Novos in southern Brazil, a 29-year-old farmer named Otacilio Ribeiro arrived at the local hospital with a large inoperable abdominal tumor. The surgeon opened the incision, found the tumor inaccessible, closed the wound, and told the Sisters of Notre Dame working at the hospital that the patient had only hours to live. The sisters prayed to Blessed Julie and applied her relic to the site of the incision. By 1 October 1950, the centenary of the congregation's founding, Otacilio was completely and inexplicably cured of his terminal cancer. The miracle was authenticated on 17 January 1958. ◾ A second miracle — the 1919 healing of Homer Rhodius from a uremic crisis judged incurable by his physicians — was subsequently re-examined and recognized by the Vatican on 10 March 1967. Pope Paul VI canonized Julie Billiart on 22 June 1969. Otacilio da Silva attended the ceremony in Rome, accompanied by his daughter, whom he had named Julie in fulfillment of a promise made to the sisters.
SAINT OF THE DAY THURSDAY, 9 APRIL, 2026 SAINT MARY OF CLEOPHAS FIRST CENTURY She was one of the “three Marys” who followed Our Lord and stood at the foot of the Cross on Calvary when He died. She was the wife of Saint Cleophas, the brother of Saint Joseph. She was the mother of Saint Simon, Saint James the Less and Saint Jude, Apostles, and of Saint Mary Salome, the mother of the Apostles Saint James the Greater and Saint John. Saint Mary of Cleophas was put on a boat with others by the Jews in the year 47, and pushed out to sea without sails or oars. She died in France. The island in France where she landed, after her miraculous journey from Jerusalem, is called les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (“the Holy Marys of the Sea”), named for Saint Mary of Cleophas, Saint Mary Magdalen and Saint Mary Salome. St. Mary of Cleophas: Pray for us!
another Saint for today MARIA DEL MONTE CARMELO SALLÉS Y BARANGUERAS 9 April 1848 – 25 July 1911. Her birthday falls on April 9. She was the foundress of the Conceptionist Missionary Sisters of Education and is the patron of educators, missionaries, and those enduring hardships. ◾For her beatification, the miracle confirmed by the Consulta Medica involved a nun diagnosed with un’espondilite tubercolosa in fase terminale. After prayers for the intercession of the blessed, she experienced a sudden, complete, and lasting recovery in which new vertebrae formed in place of the ruined ones. On 3 May 1992 the Medical Council declared the cure rapid, complete, and scientifically inexplicable. ◾ Canonisation miracle guarigione molto rapida, completa e duratura, in assenza di terapia, di una bambina di tre anni da estesa lesione cerebrale vascolare, avvenuta a S. Paolo del Brasile nell’anno 2000. La Consulta Medica ha riconosciuto all’unanimità la guarigione scientificamente inspiegabile Saint Carmen of Jesus, pray for us.
During the Great Persecution of Christians by Nero in Jerusalem the first Catholics there had a huge diaspora all over the World , including to Rome. What was meant to be a death blow actually became a massive seeding of Catholic which did much to strengthen and spread the Faith everywhere. I love the old legends of these saints being cast up on very far off shores.
SAINT OF THE DAY FRIDAY, 10 APRIL, 2026 SAINT MICHAEL DE SANCTIS (MICHAEL OF THE SAINTS) PRIEST (29 September, 1591 - 10 April, 1625) Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael's parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert's monastery in Saragosa four years later. Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the house in Valladolid. As Superior, Michael set a high standard of holiness for the order, focusing on prayer, penance, and mortification, as well as devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. While he was still alive, he was viewed as a saint, due to his personal piety, leadership, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and the frequent ecstasies he experienced during the Consecration at Mass. Outside of the monastery, his preaching was known for its holiness, and the neighboring royal court called upon him for spiritual and pastoral counseling. His generous service to the poor and the sick made him a compassionate priest and a faithful friend. Michael died on April 10, 1625, at the monastery in Valladolid, Spain at the age of 33. He was beatified by Pius VI in 1779 and canonized by Pius IX in 1862. Many miracles were attributed to him at his tomb following his death. He was known as one of the greatest apostles of the Trinitarian order in the 17th century, and is often called ‘the Ecstatic One.' MIRACULOUS HEALING THROUGH HIS INTERCESSION After eleven days of prayer, Frances Sanz was cured of cancer through his intercession. The cancerous tumors on her lips and tongue disappeared. No scars were left. Hers was one of many such cures and was presented as one of many miracles when Pius IX canonized Michael on June 8th 1862. PATRON: Cancer patients PRAYER FOR CANCER PATIENTS Most Holy Trinity, You who gave us Saint Michael of the Saints as trusted friend and intercessor, and as patron of those afflicted with cancer, look with kindness on your servants who this day invoke your name. Through his intercession, comfort those in distress, confirm those in doubt. Satisfy their spiritual needs from the treasury of your grace. Remember all those who call on your help, but be especially solicitous of (mention name). Restore health to this person and all who are sick. Sanctify those who endure pain with Christ-like acceptance and grant to all of us a just reward in the life of glory to come. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. NOVENA PRAYER We praise you, Most Holy Trinity, for having sent us Saint Michael of the Saints, to be our friend and intercessor in the fight against cancer. Grant us, we pray, a humble faith that we may follow in his holy footsteps and believe without doubt in your generous gift of healing. With humble and childlike trust, we ask your Divine help through Saint Michael of the Saints in this urgent necessity. May this gift of bodily health bring us peace and joy which are but a foretaste of heaven, and may we be counted one day among your saints in glory. Father, your world is ill with cancer and frightened. We pray you ease the suffering of those afflicted, give loving hands to those who care for them, and light the way for those who seek its cure. Merciful father, extend your healing hand so that we may cry out, a cure at last! We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. LITANY OF ST. MICHAEL OF THE SAINTS Lord have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Christ, hear us Christ graciously hear us. God, the father of heaven, have mercy on us. God, the son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us. God, the Holy Spirit have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Michael, child of God, pray for us. Servant of Jesus Christ, pray for us. Companion of Mary, pray for us. Spiritual Innocence, pray for us. Mystical Heart, pray for us. Soul enamored of God, pray for us. Friend of the poor, pray for us. Patron of the cancer-stricken, pray for us. Model of charity, pray for us. Model of sanctity, pray for us. Light of those in doubt, pray for us. Lover of the Holy Spirit, pray for us. Helper of the needy, pray for us. Slave of divine love, pray for us. Hope of those who trust in you, pray for us. Inspiration of pastors and priests, pray for us. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael of the Saints, R. That we may be made worthy of His promises. Amen. St. Michael De Sanctis: Pray for us!
SAINT OF THE DAY SATURDAY, 11 APRIL, 2026 SAINT GEMMA GALGANI MYSTIC (12 March, 1878 - 11 April, 1903) Gemma was born on March 12, 1878 in Camigliano, Italy, and soon after her birth her family moved to Lucca, Italy, where she remained the rest of her life. Her mother Aurelia, a holy woman, died when Gemma was only 8 years old. The loss of her mother at such a young age was a sword of suffering upon her little heart. Eleven years later, at age 19, she would lose also her father, leaving her and her brothers and sisters orphans. Not long after this, she became gravely ill with spinal meningitis, becoming bedridden and on the verge of death. It was at this point that began the extraordinary graces in her life. MIRACULOUS CURE The Passionist St. Gabriel Possenti began appearing to her in a series of visions, encouraging her and helping her to make a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in hopes for a cure. It was at this time that the attending Doctors resigned her to die. On March 3, 1899, Jesus appeared to Gemma and cured her on the last day of the Novena, which coincided with the First Friday of the month (which is devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus). It was at this time also that Gemma began receiving inner locutions (interior words) from Jesus, and she begins to see her guardian Angel who inspires and instructs her in the practice of virtues. ST. GEMMA IS GIVEN THE STIGMATA A few months later, on the morning of June 8, 1899, Gemma is enlightened during Holy Communion that she would soon be receiving a great grace from Jesus. That evening, the Blessed Mother appeared to her, along with her guardian Angel. The Blessed Virgin told her: "Jesus my Son loves you very much and He wishes to give you a grace. Do you know how to make yourself worthy of it?” In my misery I did not know what to answer. She continued “I will be your Mother. Will you be a true daughter?” She then spread her mantle and covered me with it. At that moment Jesus appeared with all His wounds open, but blood no longer came out of those wounds. Rather, flames of fire issued forth from them and in an instant these flames came to touch my hands, my feet and my heart. I felt as if I would die. I fell to the floor, but my Mother supported me, keeping me covered in her mantle. I had to remain several hours in that position. Finally she kissed me on my forehead, and all vanished, and I found myself kneeling on the floor. But I still felt an intense pain in my hands, feet and heart. I arose to go to bed, and I then noticed that blood was flowing from those parts where I felt pain. I covered them as well as I could, and then with the help of my angel, I was able to go to bed. These sufferings and pains, although they afflicted me, filled me with perfect peace. The next morning I was able to go to Communion only with great difficulty, and I put on a pair of gloves in order to hide my hands. I could hardly stand on my feet, and I thought I would die at any minute. The sufferings continued until 3pm on Friday afternoon, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus." VICTIM SOUL It was at this point that Gemma began suffering as a victim soul for the conversion of sinners. She continued this extraordinary mission until the end of her life. At times accompanying the Stigmata were also the Crown of Thorns and also the Scourging which is well documented by her Spiritual Director, Venerable Father Germanus C.P. ECSTASIES OF LOVE Along with suffering in union with Jesus for the conversion of souls, she was also drawn into the most remarkable and sublime ecstasies where she conversed and often pleaded with Jesus for sinners, for the souls in Purgatory, for love and for mercy upon humanity, always telling Jesus of her love for Him, and offering herself as a holocaust and victim to obtain these graces. THE HOLY DEATH OF ST. GEMMA In September 1902, Gemma became severely ill with Tuberculosis. By that time the fever of disease had begun to consume the innocent victim of divine Justice. Early in September she became very sick and vomited blood in quantities. One who watched by her bed wrote to her Director: "She is reduced to skin and bones; she suffers excruciating pains. One cannot bear the torment of not knowing what to do to relieve her. Gemma feels great need of you. Come quickly and tell us what to do." "On receiving other pressing requests," he wrote, "I determined to go and reached Lucca in the month of October. The poor child showed the greatest joy when she was told that I had come, and wished to get up to welcome me. Imagine my grief at finding her in such a state, added to my fear that God this time would act indeed. I blessed her and bade her go back to bed; then sitting by her side I said: 'Well Gemma, what are we to do?' 'Go to Jesus, Father,' she answered, in a tone of inexpressible joy. 'But really?' I added. 'Yes, Father, this time Jesus has told me clearly, so clearly. To Heaven, my Father, to Jesus, with Jesus in Heaven!' 'But,' I rejoined, 'our sins, how are we to atone for them? You would make it an easy matter!' And she answered, 'Jesus has thought of that. He will let me suffer so much in the short time I have to live, that, sanctifying my poor pains by the merits of His Passion, He will be satisfied and will take me with Him to Paradise.' 'But,' I said, 'I do not wish you to die yet.' And she, in her spirited way, replied- 'And should Jesus wish it, what then?' She then gave him all the particulars of her death and burial with the calmness of one discussing an ordinary affair. In the Confession she made that evening, she accused herself of the sins of her whole life with such compunction that he could not restrain his tears at seeing such lively sentiments of sorrow in one who had never stained the spotless robe of baptismal innocence by a deliberate sin. In the morning dressed as a bride with a white veil on her head she received Holy Viaticum, "looking," says Father Germano, "like an Angel in adoration before the Majesty of God." Afterwards she said to him: "If you wish, Father, you can leave, as I shall not die now. This illness will certainly finish me, but not yet; at least, that is what Jesus has told me." Thus the months dragged on with Gemma living in the closest union of love and suffering with Jesus Crucified. Through the offering of her sufferings in union with Jesus, the Victim Soul was obtaining countless graces each day for the conversion of sinners. Holy Week arrived and now the victim of Jesus was to be made conformable to His Death. On Good Friday, April 10, 1903 she said to Cecilia Giannini who was attending her: "Don't leave me until I am nailed to the Cross. I must be crucified with Jesus. He has said to me that His children must be crucified." She then went into ecstasy and gradually extending her arms, she remained in that posture for about three hours - an image of Jesus dying on the Cross. All that day and night her agony continued. On the morning of Holy Saturday, April 11, 1903, at about 8:00am she received Viaticum and the Last Anointing. At around 1:30pm, with the crucifix in her hands she said: "Jesus, now it is indeed true that nothing remains for me. If it be Thy will, take me." Glancing at the picture of Mary, she added: "My Mother, I recommend myself to You. Ask Jesus to have mercy on me." Then, in a feeble voice: "Jesus, I commend to You this poor soul of mine. Jesus." These were her last words. She kissed the crucifix, placed it over her heart, folded her hands over it, and closed her eyes. Then, after a few moments, she turned her head on the pillow and ceased to breathe, and thus her holy soul took flight to be forever united with the God whom she loved with all the strength of her heart. The priest who was reading the last prayers of the Church never knew the moment of her passing. "I have assisted many sick people," he said, "but I never knew one to die in that way, without a tear or a sigh. She died with a smile and the smile remained on her lips so that I could hardly convince myself that she was really dead." And one of the Nursing Sisters from the order of St Camillis de Lellis who was caring for Gemma in her last days attested: "We have cared for a great many sick people, but we have never seen anything like this."THE INSCRIPTION PLACED ON HER TOMB READ "Gemma Galgani of Lucca, a most innocent virgin, while in her 25th year, consumed rather by the fire of Divine Love than by the violence of disease, flew into the arms of her Heavenly Spouse on Holy Saturday, the eleventh of April, 1903. Peace be to Thee, O sweet soul, in company with the Angels" PATRON: Pharmacists; students; people struggling with temptation; people seeking greater spiritual purity; people who are grieving the deaths of parents; and people suffering from headaches, tuberculosis, or back injuries. PRAYER OF ST. GEMMA GALGANI TO OBTAIN A DESIRED GRACE: Behold me at Your most holy feet, O dear Jesus, to manifest to you my gratitude for the continual favors which You have bestowed upon me, and still wish to bestow upon me. As many times as I have invoked You, O Jesus, You have made me content; I have often had recourse to You and You have always consoled me. How shall I express myself to You, dear Jesus? I thank you! Yet one more grace I desire of you, O my God, if it would be pleasing to You (here mention your request). If you were not omnipotent, I would not make this request. O Jesus, have pity on me. May your most holy will be done in all things. Amen.
A blessed for today Blessed Pina Suriano (1915-1950) April 11 marks the birthday of Blessed Pina Suriano, born on this date in 1915 in Partinico, in the Province of Palermo, Sicily. She died suddenly of a heart attack on May 19, 1950, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 5, 2004. She is invoked as a patron of young laypeople and catechists, and her particular apostolic mission was the sanctification of priests. ◾The miracle confirmed by the Vatican's Consulta Medica as medically inexplicable concerned Isabella Mannone, born December 19, 1973, in Marsala, Sicily. On June 14, 1992, at approximately 3:00 PM, a running hair dryer fell from a shelf into the bathtub where she was bathing. She immediately suffered electric shocks throughout her body, rigidity of the limbs, a sense of suffocation, and loss of consciousness. Her mother, Maria Genna, who broke open the bathroom door, was herself struck by the discharge when she entered, and it was only after invoking Pina Suriano that she was able to reach the external circuit breaker. Approximately fifteen minutes had elapsed. Isabella was revived by rudimentary artificial respiration and transported to Marsala hospital, where she was diagnosed with an electrocution injury to the left gluteal region and sinus tachycardia on ECG. She refused hospitalization. Complete cicatrization required ten to twelve months. The survival after prolonged submersion with live current was deemed medically inexplicable. Blessed Pina Suriano, who offered your life for the sanctification of priests and interceded for those in mortal danger, pray for us.
FEAST OF THE DAY SUNDAY, 12 APRIL, 2026 HAPPY FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY “I desire that the Feast of Mercy…be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter….The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion (in a state of grace on this day) shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 699) CONCERNING THE FEAST OF MERCY JESUS SAID TO ST. FAUSTINA: Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. (Diary 300) I want the image solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it. (Diary 341) This Feast emerged from the very depths of My mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of my tender mercies. (Diary 420) "My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy". (Diary 699) Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it. (Diary 742) Pray the "DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET" HOW TO PRAY THE "DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET?" 'Step 1' – Using a regular set of Rosary beads, you begin at the cross by making the SIGN OF THE CROSS. OPENING PRAYER ''You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.'' Repeat three times ''O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!'' 'Step 2' – On the three beads of the Rosary pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed. 'Step 3' – You begin each decade with the Our Father beads by praying this prayer: ''Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.'' 'Step 4' - Complete the decade on the 10 Hail Mary beads by praying this prayer: ''For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.'' Repeat 'Steps 3 and 4' for each decade on the rosary beads 'Step 5' – Once you have prayed all 5 decades, you end the Chaplet by praying the following prayer 3 times: ''Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.'' CLOSING PRAYER ''Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your Holy Will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.'' THE DIVINE MERCY PRAISES (Diary: 948-949) The Love of God is the flower-Mercy the fruit. Let the doubting soul read these considerations on Divine Mercy and become trusting. Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, fountain gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, human or angelic, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, better than the heavens, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, in the founding of Holy Church, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of hell, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of God, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of His hands, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, crown of all of God's handiwork, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, in which we are all immersed, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls, I Trust in Thee. Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope, I Trust in Thee. SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA'S HEALING PRAYER: Jesus, may Your pure and healthy blood circulate in my ailing organism, and may Your pure and healthy body transform my weak unhealthy body, and may a healthy and vigorous life flowing within me, if it is truly Your Holy will. Amen.
My one great takeaway from st Gemma is here eyes. She had the face of an angel. Just to look at her is to have your heart turned to heaven. It reminds me of the Transfiguration. Some people, just to look at them is a blessing. A Great Blessing. Shinning with holiness.
St Gemma Galgani's miracles The Two Canonization Miracles (Approved 1939)1. Miracle of Elisa Scarpelli (10-year-old girl) Date and place: Lappano, Italy, on 14 May 1933 — the exact day of Gemma’s beatification. Illness: Since September 1932, Elisa had suffered from cancerous ulcers that spread from her left jaw across her face and upper neck. Medical treatments (linseed poultices, surgery, ointments) had failed completely. Cure: When news of the beatification reached the village, Elisa took a picture of the newly beatified Gemma, removed the bandages from her face, pressed the image directly onto the ulcers, and prayed: “Gemma … look at me and have pity on me; please heal me!” The ulcers healed instantly and completely. When she looked in the mirror, she cried out “Mother!” Her mother rushed in and was astonished. Several doctors (including Dr. Augustine Intrieri and Dr. Francesco Guido) later examined her and declared the healing medically inexplicable. 2. Miracle of Natale Scarpelli (a farmer) Date and place: Lappano, Italy, shortly after an accident on 3 April 1935. Illness: He had suffered from severe varicose veins since 1918. After the accident, a painful, pus-filled tumor-like ulcer developed on his left leg, leaving him bedridden and unable to work (he was the sole breadwinner for his wife and children). Cure: The family knew about the first miracle (Elisa was their neighbor). Their daughter suggested: “Papa, let’s ask the blessed Gemma. She healed our neighbor Elisa — why not you?” They had a relic of Gemma. The whole family prayed together and promised to make the healing known. The daughter traced a cross over the ulcer with the relic. Within minutes Natale felt better, joked with his daughter, and fell into a deep, pain-free sleep (something impossible before). The next morning the ulcer was completely gone, replaced by fresh new skin; the pain had vanished. He got up and walked normally. Doctors (including Dr. Valentini and Dr. Jacobelli) testified that the healing was “contrary to all physiopathological laws” and medically inexplicable. (The varicose veins remained, but the dangerous ulcer had disappeared.) The Miracles: The two miracles officially approved for her beatification occurred in 1907 and 1919. Isolina Serafini (1907): Healed from acute meningitis after praying to Gemma, certified by doctors as a divine act. Giovanna Bortolozzi (1919): A large tumor in her armpit disappeared completely before a scheduled surgery after a relic of Gemma was applied.
From the time I saw her beautiful picture,sweet St Gemma's eyes captivated me. The more I found out about her, the more i loved her. She has helped me countless times with my back and other issues.
SAINT OF THE DAY MONDAY, 13 APRIL, 2026 SAINT MARTIN I POPE AND MARTYR (c. 590 - d. September 16, 655) When Martin I became pope in 649, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and the patriarch of Constantinople was the most influential Church leader in the eastern Christian world. The struggles that existed within the Church at that time were magnified by the close cooperation of emperor and patriarch. A teaching, strongly supported in the East, held that Christ had no human will. Twice emperors had officially favored this position, Heraclius by publishing a formula of faith and Constans II by silencing the issue of one or two wills in Christ. Shortly after assuming the office of the papacy (which he did without first being confirmed by the emperor), Martin held a council at the Lateran in which the imperial documents were censured, and in which the patriarch of Constantinople and two of his predecessors were condemned. Constans II, in response, tried first to turn bishops and people against the pope. Failing in this and in an attempt to kill the pope, the emperor sent troops to Rome to seize Martin and to bring him back to Constantinople. Already in poor health, Martin offered no resistance, returned with the exarch Calliopas and was then submitted to various imprisonments, tortures and hardships. Although condemned to death and with some of the torture imposed already carried out, Martin was saved from execution by the pleas of a repentant Paul, patriarch of Constantinople, who was himself gravely ill. Martin died shortly thereafter, tortures and cruel treatment having taken their toll. He is the last of the early popes to be venerated as a martyr. QUOTE: The breviary of the Orthodox Church pays tribute to Martin: “Glorious definer of the Orthodox Faith...sacred chief of divine dogmas, unstained by error...true reprover of heresy...foundation of bishops, pillar of the Orthodox faith, teacher of religion.... Thou didst adorn the divine see of Peter, and since from this divine Rock, thou didst immovably defend the Church, so now thou art glorified with him.” PRAYER: Pope Saint Martin I, through your intercession before the Father in Heaven, fortify all teachers and leaders of the Church to remain steadfast in the truth, to advocate for the truth, and to suffer for the truth, no matter the personal cost. Amen.
Abortion has been introduced all over the World, including in many Catholic countries. As has its evil sister , Euthanasia. I don't think in Modern times I have heard of even one Catholic Politician anywhere in the World who has been excommunicated for taking part in all this? Why is this? Not much chance of any of them suffering as St Martin did for speaking out.
another Saint of today Saint Margaret of Città di Castello April 13 marks the death anniversary of Saint Margaret of Città di Castello, who died on this date in 1320. Born severely disabled — blind, lame, and of short stature — in Metola, Umbria, she was abandoned by her noble parents at a shrine when no miraculous cure came, and taken in by the citizens of Città di Castello. She became a Dominican tertiary, devoting herself to prayer, the care of prisoners, and the instruction of children. She is venerated as a patron of the disabled, the unwanted, and those with physical disabilities. Margaret was beatified by Paul V in 1609 and canonized by Pope Francis on October 13, 2021, through the process known as equivalent canonization — canonizatio aequipollens — which dispenses with the requirement of a post-beatification miracle, recognizing instead a centuries-long, uninterrupted cult, consistent fame of sanctity, and documented evidence of heroic virtue. Saint Margaret of Città di Castello, who bore suffering with joy and gave yourself entirely to those the world had cast aside, pray for us.
SAINTS OF THE DAY TUESDAY, 14 APRIL, 2026 1) SAINT LYDWINE OF SCHEIDAM 2) SAINT PETER GONSALEZ 1) SAINT LYDWINE OF SCHEIDAM STIGMATIST AND VICTIM SOUL (18 March, 1380 - 14 April, 1433) Saint Lydwine was born in present day Scheidam, Holland, near Rotterdam, in 1380. She was the only daughter of nine children in a poor working family. Little is known about the childhood of Lydwine, with the exception that she took a private vow of virginity at age 15. One year later, when Lydwine was 16, she was ice skating with a group of friends, when she suffered a fall and collision, causing her to break a small rib in her right side. A hard abscess grew around the broken rib which never healed. From that moment on, Lydwine lived in constant pain, such that no position of her body (sitting, standing, reclining) could relieve her suffering. She became bedridden following her accident, and a host of bodily ailments followed. These sufferings included headaches, fever, thirst, bedsores, toothaches, spasms of the muscles, neuritis, pieces of her body falling off, coughing up blood, ulcers and tumours, could not eat or drink without vomiting and many others. She also fractured her forehead, which extended to the middle of her nose and a cleft from her lower lip to her chin that would often bleed. She could not see from her right eye and had a weak left eye. For thirty-three years, until her death, St Lidwina's body deteriorated, and became a spectacle of pure suffering, defying the laws of nature. She is believed to be the first recorded patient suffering with Multiple Sclerosis. Several years passed. Lidwina was deprived of a spiritual director, receiving communion Holy Communion only at Easter when she was carried to Church. She laid in darkness and spent many nights sobbing to herself. Like a forsaken home that was once a place of excitement and warmth, so too did Lidwina temporarily depart from her joyful and lively self, for suffering and abandonment moulded her into a vessel of despondency and despair. But St. Lidwina's world was set on fire when she finally understood the potent mystery of love: love that is willing to suffer is life-giving. By meditating upon the Passion of Christ with the aid of her new-found spiritual director, Fr. John Walters of Lyden, a spark ignited within St Lidwina, allowing her to find happiness in her pain through fortitude, patience and trust in God's will. True peace came upon St. Lidwina after she received the gift of tears. She then comprehended God's unconditional love and care, which opened the floodgates to renewal and consolation. One day after receiving the Eucharist, she cried uncontrollably for fourteen days. This experience inundated her her spirit with perfect consolation. Like a spring of cleansing water, Lidwina's discovery of the redemptive strength of love allowed her to recommit to prayer, fasting and penance. The more suffering she endured, the closer she was to the Cross of Christ. After eight years of suffering, she said: “It is not I who suffer; it is my Lord Jesus who suffers in me!” Saint Lydwine came to realize that there was no earthly reason for her suffering, and that it must be a gift from the Lord. She eagerly consecrated herself to enduring the pain and suffering for the good of others, in atonement for their sins. Lydwine fasted in earnest, receiving only the Holy Eucharist as sustenance in the last 19 years of her life. Lydwine further gave away all her possessions to the poor, sleeping on a mound of hay. Saint Lydwine became known as a holy woman, a healer of the sick who visited her, and a mystic. Her body, despite being covered by awful sores, emitted the sweet perfume of heaven. Her touch was known to heal those whom doctors had given up on. She was visited frequently with visions and ecstasies of Jesus, and herself exhibited the Stigmata on many occasions. In one such vision, she was greeted by the presence of Jesus, and saw a rosebush which was not in bloom. Above the bush, an inscription read, "When this shall be in bloom, your suffering will be at an end." Lydwine spoke to Our Lord and Our Lady and the saints and angels on a daily basis. Her lifelong illness which was recognized to be of supernatural origin. Her body became covered with sores and abscesses and virtually came apart into three pieces-symbolically representing the condition of the Church. One day the victim soul asked Our Lord for the conversion of a notoriously immoral young man in Schiedham. Jesus replied that His grace was sufficient and that this person habitually rejected grace. “He is sinning right now,” Jesus said, “as we speak.” Lydwine would not have “no” for an answer. She wanted a special grace. She wanted his soul. Jesus refused, “My justice will not allow it.” She then started to complain. “Look at what I suffer for souls,” she said, “I suffer your Passion, all for you. Is your mercy not loving enough to win this wretched one back to grace?” Jesus would not be moved. “My justice will not allow it, enough now.” “If that it is the case,” Lydwine protested, “I will have a word with your Mother.” Jesus disappeared and Mary came and answered her prayer. The young man came knocking at the door seconds later asking the blessed saint to send for a priest. She sent for a priest and this great sinner made a sincere confession in tears. The Mother will have her way. And that is the way the Son wants it. Lydwine suffered for thirty-eight years, after which time she was greeted with another vision in which Jesus, Himself, administered her the Last Rites. She stated, “I see the rosebush in bloom,” and died later that evening, alone, as she preferred. Multiple miracles and mystical gifts have been attributed to Lydwine, including bilocation. As Huysmans wrote in 1923, “She was given to be in two places at once, when Jesus asked her to be with him at Golgotha. In answer to His request, Lydwine replied: ‘O Savior, I am ready to accompany you to that mountain and to suffer and die there with you!' He took her with Him, and when she returned to her bed, which corporeally she had never left, they saw ulcers on her lips, wounds on her arms, the marks of thorns on her forehead and splinters on her limbs, which exhaled a very pronounced perfume of spices." PATRON: of sickness; chronically ill, ice skaters, town of Schiedam. PRAYER TO SAINT LYDWINE: O Glorious Saint Lydwine of Schiedam,you were chosen by Christ to suffer immense pain for poor sinners and to offer up all your sufferings to Him.Intercede on our behalf and help us through our small sufferings that cannot be compared to yours.Grant us the grace to trust completely in Jesus even during times of deep sorrow and confusions.Help us to always place our petitions in the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary who on our behalf will offer up our petitions to Jesus like how she did kindly for you.May we be given the grace to persevere in sufferings until the Lord calls us home to enjoy the Glory of Heaven. Amen. St. Lydwine, whose life was filled with intense sufferings for poor sinners, pray for us!
