Today, April 7, is the commemoration of Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (La Salle Brothers). Jean-Baptiste was born in 1651 in Reims, France to a wealthy family. He was an intelligent man, taking higher studies and delving into classical, literary, and philosophical courses. He entered the Seminary …
Jesus said to the Jews:“Amen, amen, I say to you,whoever keeps my word will never see death.”So the Jews said to him,“Now we are sure that you are possessed.Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say,‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died?Or the prophets, who …
“It is quite certain that the title became more and more known and recognized, and especially in the Netherlands where the stock-title of the Order became ‘Our Lady’s Brethren.’ By that name the Carmelites are usually, nay, nearly always called. This quite outstanding name of Brothers of Our Lady led to a rapid extension of …
Today, April 6, is the commemoration of Blessed Pierina Morosini. Born in 1931, Pierina was one of nine children in a poor family in Bergamo, Italy. Already a pious girl, Pierina had made a private vow of chastity to God. She was an active Catholic Action member and catechist. At 15, she worked as …
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”They answered him, “We are descendants of Abrahamand have never been enslaved to anyone.How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”Jesus answered them, “Amen, …
“This apparition left the Saint enraptured with joy. The Order’s habit, hitherto a token of devotion to Mary, now became likewise a pledge of her special protection. The disclosure of this motherly promise in a short time modified the attitude towards the Order. People vied with each other to beg the Order’s habit, either to …
Today, April 5, is the commemoration of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Vincent was born in 1350 to Anglo–Scottish nobleman William Stewart Ferrer and his Spanish wife, Constantia Miguel. It is said that William dreamt that Vincent would become a renowned Dominican friar. The young Vincent entered the Dominican Order in 1367. He earned his doctorate of …
Jesus said to the Pharisees:“I am going away and you will look for me,but you will die in your sin.Where I am going you cannot come.”So the Jews said,“He is not going to kill himself, is he,because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?”He said to them, “You belong to what is below,I …
“In that distress the Saint again had recourse to Mary and his confidence was not betrayed. How could it be otherwise? In the night of the 16th of July 1251, Mary appeared to the General of the Order, who was in Cambridge at that time. He was kneeling, as was his wont, far into the …
Today, April 4, is the commemoration of Saint Isidore of Seville. Doctor of the Church. Isidore was born in 560 in Cartagena, Spain. He was the son of pious couple Severianus and Theodora. He was the brother of St. Fulgentius of Ecija, St. Florentina of Cartagena, and St. Leander of Seville. At first he did …