Catholic Thought discussion

This folder is being created so we can discuss Saints that are particularly special to each member.

Thanks

I am a regular reader of saint's or some holy person's biographies. In the recent times the lives of saints that touched me most are two: The Life Story of St. Anna Schaffer and St. Catherine of Siena.

I am regular reader too Dhanaraj of saint's. For myself there are 3 saints in particular who havve special meaning to me. They are: Saint John Paul II, St. Jude and St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr which is who my parish is named after. So hard in one post to explain the reasons why for each so I think for myself I will be dividing my reasons for each into three seperate posts.

Doreen wrote: "I am regular reader too Dhanaraj of saint's. For myself there are 3 saints in particular who havve special meaning to me. They are: Saint John Paul II, St. Jude and St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Marty..."

Will love to hear that.

After reading Sigrid Undset's fantastic biography of St. Catherine of Siena, I became a devotee. I read all things St. Catherine. The Catholic Website, Discerning Hearts has a series of discussions in podcast form with Fr. Thomas McDermott, who is a scholar on St. Catherine and her writings. Here is the first pod cast:
http://www.discerninghearts.com/?p=11630

If it interests you, follow the links to the remaining podcasts. It will serve as a nice into to St. Catherine.

Manny wrote: "After reading Sigrid Undset's fantastic biography of St. Catherine of Siena, I became a devotee. I read all things St. Catherine. The Catholic Website, Discerning Hearts has a series of discussio..."

Thanks for the heads up Manny. I like listening to my podcasts so I'll definitely check this out.

Doreen, then you'll love the Discerning Hearts website. It has tons of podcasts on all things Catholic. I think it's the best Catholic website in the world.

I've also been listening to the John Cassian podcasts that Mike suggested. They're really good too.

A little history on one of the Saints I have a special affection for, St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr.
The Polish bishop and martyr St. Stanislaus (1030-1079) was born near Krakow in Poland. After initial studies in Poland, he completed his education in Paris, where he spent seven years studying canon law and theology; this entitled him to a doctorate, but he refused it out of humility, and returned home. When his parents died, Stanislaus gave away his inheritance, and was ordained a priest.

Stanislaus was appointed as preacher and archdeacon to the bishop of Krakow; his great eloquence and piety generated a spirit of renewal and conversion in the local community. When the bishop died in 1072, Stanislaus was unanimously elected as his successor; because of the importance of this position, he soon found himself involved in the political affairs of the Polish kingdom.

Bishop Stanislaus was outspoken in his attacks upon political and social injustice, particularly that of the bellicose and immoral King Boleslaus II, who warred with his neighbors and oppressed the peasantry. The king at first made a show of repenting, but soon returned to his evil ways. Stanislaus continued to denounce him, accusations of treason and threats of death notwithstanding.

In 1079 the bishop excommunicated Boleslaus. The enraged king ordered his soldiers to murder Stanislaus; when they refused, he killed the bishop with his own hands while Mass was being celebrated. Because of Stanislaus’ popularity, King Boleslaus was forced to flee to Hungary, where he’s said to have spent the rest of his life doing penance in a Benedictine monastery. St. Stanislaus is considered the patron of Poland.

Lessons

1. A complete “separation of Church and State” isn’t always possible, nor — from a Christian perspective — always desirable. As St. Stanislaus knew, Christians must use their influence to oppose injustice, even if this means becoming involved in politics.

2. Humility and generosity are “gentle” virtues, but they can help prepare us for fierce and difficult struggles. Stanislaus’ humility (in refusing a doctorate) and generosity (in giving away his fortune) allowed God to fill him with the courage and strength needed to resist the king.

Tomorrow, most probably I will be visiting Krakow. I will remember to salute him.

Dhanaraj wrote: "Tomorrow, most probably I will be visiting Krakow. I will remember to salute him."

Oh I am so happy for you Dhanaraj! I'm sure you will love it there. Have a safe and happy journey.

Carlos wrote: "I took Saint Francis DeSales' name at my baptism because he is the Patron of writers. I keep his medal at my writing desk and pray for his intercession regularly.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe is dear t..."

Oh Carlos I think that's wonderful what you did. So happy for you. It's kind of ironic with that when I attend Mass at my parish I: go to the Polish language Mass on Sunday that my grandmother used to always go to and I sit on the same side of the church she sat on in the same pew. I didn't do these things specifically with her in mind it was because I had a good view of the Sacred Heart statue that I have a special devotion to as did my dad. Weird thing is all the time I've been doing this I never realized until recently that that pew is directly under the stained glass window with the image of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr.

Great comments here. Thanks on that great write up on St. Stanislaus, Doreen. I knew nothing about him. And what a great idea for a patron Saint, Carlos. If I had been an adult when I was confirmed I might have picked him too.

At twelve I was infatuated with St. Francis of Assisi. He was popular in the movies at the time and I guessed that spilled over to a twelve year old. I remember having a teen ager level book about his life. I had him as my confirmation saint, and though I love him, I don't think I identify with him now as an adult. I think my personality fits the Dominican Order more than the Franciscans. But I've come to realize we need to embrace saints that both fit our personalities and saints that are opposite to our personalities. This way we have a marker for us to grow toward in a direction we wouldn't naturally go, if that makes sense.

hey St. Max Kolbe fans! there's a new movie about him! The Luke Films one was great! But this new one from St. Ignatius Press is unique because it focuses on the life exchanged for his, a Life for Life. We ordered it but I haven't got it yet to watch...I'll let you know how it is after I watch it...there's a short clip here:

http://www.ignatius.com/Products/LFL-...

Oh I have got to get this! Thanks for the heads up Michele!

Cool! :D Tell me how you like it too!

Maria Faustina Kowalska is the Saint who reminded the truth about God`s Mercy.

Every day I try to pray the chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

Piotrek wrote: "Maria Faustina Kowalska is the Saint who reminded the truth about God`s Mercy.

Every day I try to pray the chaplet of the Divine Mercy."

So do I Piotrek! And I pray my rosary to Saint John Paul II. To me that's the best thing I can do. Good to see you here. My home parish is St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr.

I am in the middle of a biography "Frederic Ozanam: His Life and Works" by Kathleen O’Meara, an amazing great little known man. It's a fascinating reading. Pope John Paul II beatified him as Blessed Frédéric Ozanam (1913-1853) in 1997. The further I get into it the more interesting the man becomes. Very early in life he asks big questions such as “What was I made for? What is the aim and the law of humanity?” This is at age of 17-18. He conceived the idea of organizing what became Society of St. Vincent de Paul while discussing with two friends how to better act as Christians. It was in reaction to criticism by St. Simonians that Christianity is a “dead tree that bore no fruit…Show us your works.” Ozanam most admired a society “of self-sacrifice of each one for the benefit of all: and this is the Christian republic, of the primitive Church of Jerusalem.”
When he gets married he describes what a Christian marriage should be:
“In marriage there is not only a contract, there is above all, a sacrifice, a twofold sacrifice. The woman sacrifices that which God has given her, and which is irreparable, that which was the object of her mother’s anxious care—her fresh, young beauty, often her health, and that faculty of living which women have but once. The man, in his turn, sacrfices his liberty of his youth, those incomparable years which never return, that power of devoting himself to her he loves, which is only to be found at the outset of his life, and that effort of a first love to secure to her a proud and happy lot……”

That is a very thoughtful definition of Marriage; thank you for posting it here.

Having been married over 23 years, I do believe that sacrifice is the operative word when it comes to marriage. Especially when children come along.

Manny wrote: "Having been married over 23 years, I do believe that sacrifice is the operative word when it comes to marriage. Especially when children come along."

I wish you both another 23.

Mike wrote: "Manny wrote: "Having been married over 23 years, I do believe that sacrifice is the operative word when it comes to marriage. Especially when children come along."

I wish you both another 23."

Oh thank you kindly. God bless you. :)

Mike wrote: "Manny wrote: "Having been married over 23 years, I do believe that sacrifice is the operative word when it comes to marriage. Especially when children come along."

I wish you both another 23."

Thank you Mike and Manny. Going on 28 years. Wish you many more.

Galicius wrote: "Mike wrote: "Manny wrote: "Having been married over 23 years, I do believe that sacrifice is the operative word when it comes to marriage. Especially when children come along."

I wish you both an..."

Wow. It's clear to me that I'm in great company. It will be 26 yrs. for my husband and myself on May 18. We chose that day because it was also my grandparents anniversary. I think every day we're together we grow together as a couple. Don't get me wrong we have had our disagreements but we both took our vows very seriously. Just to throw it out there does anyone know if there is a patron saint of marriage?

Doreen, there are several. My first thought would have been St. Rita, but it depends on the nature of marriage. St Rita is included here, but I don't think she applies to your marriage.

http://togetherforlifeonline.com/patr...

Actually for me, in my set prayers I include a request to our Blessed Mother to pray for my marriage and my wife.

Thanks for the tip Manny. Much appreciated!

I enjoy reading about the saints! But I'd like to learn more about the lesser-known saints who have stories written about them... have any recommendations for me?

Thanks and God bless you all!

❄Elsa Frost❄ wrote: "I enjoy reading about the saints! But I'd like to learn more about the lesser-known saints who have stories written about them... have any recommendations for me?

Thanks and God bless you all!"

I will highly recommend Anna Schaffer: An Example for the Sick, the Suffering and the Poor and A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai: Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb.

Dhanaraj wrote: "❄Elsa Frost❄ wrote: "I enjoy reading about the saints! But I'd like to learn more about the lesser-known saints who have stories written about them... have any recommendations for me?

Thanks and G..."

Wow Dhanaraj sounds like a great read. Thanks for the heads up! Will definitely check it out.

If ever you get a chance to read both books, do not miss it.

I will Dhanaraj. Right now I just started a book on Pope Francis's thoughts and speeches that is just fascinating. I think I'll add it to the group bookshelf so if anyone wants to check it out they don't have to go searching for it.

Today is the 110 anniversary of Saint Faustina birthday. Here is a biography of Apostle of Divine Mercy:

Faustina The Mystic and Her Message

Piotrek wrote: "Today is the 110 anniversary of Saint Faustina birthday. Here is a biography of Apostle of Divine Mercy:

Faustina The Mystic and Her Message"

Thank you for this post and remembrance.

I don't know if anyone noticed, but today's mass was in honor of Pope Callistus I. :-)

Here's the Divine Office for today.http://divineoffice.org/ord-w28-wed-o...

http://productions.franciscanmedia.or...

Leslie wrote: "I don't know if anyone noticed, but today's mass was in honor of Pope Callistus I. :-)

Here's the Divine Office for today.http://divineoffice.org/ord-w28-wed-o......"

Thanks for posting the link. I enjoyed reading the short biography. Pope Callistus I was definitely a Pope who advocated mercy.

Agreed. I was trying to think how I would have reacted to those questions in those times. It's so hard. I can definitely understand the need for mercy and forgiveness, but also appreciate the frustration of those who stayed the course during incredible times. To read the stories of people roasted in chairs, bodies pulled apart, arena fights, etc. it feels mind boggling. I can understand their anger when they faced that same threat but remained loyal to the faith. I think it is especially meaningful given the many excursions from the faith the Israelites displayed prior to Jesus's time. It makes you appreciate those faithful even more. I honestly don't know which side I would have favored.

Leslie wrote: "I don't know if anyone noticed, but today's mass was in honor of Pope Callistus I. :-)

Here's the Divine Office for today.http://divineoffice.org/ord-w28-wed-o......"

Speaking of martyrs, I went on a mini retreat this weekend and picked up a St Joan of Arc prayer card. She's always been inspiring to me as someone who took up her vocation and didn't care what anyone else had to say. Not to mention that she saved France.

I was thinking about her today!!! They were talking about her on the Catholic Channel on satellite radio tonight. I was just thinking I really want to read her story. I know Mark Twain wrote one account of her life.

Maybe it's because it's October and I'm thinking of the Salem witch trials, reading about people burned to death in the Great Persecution for our Founding of Christendom book, and then the radio show tonight.

I also admire her loyalty to the faith. And, I love French history. She's going on my To Read list.

I've also been thinking about retreats lately. I have always loved doing those, even the quick ones and was missing that experience. I'm reading a book on the life of Thomas Merton, Flannery O'Connor, Dorothy Day, and Walker Percy. Merton just finished writing The Seven Story Mountain and I was wishing I could drive to Kentucky for some serious quiet time with God. It's on my list on things/places to do. :-)

Leslie wrote: "I was thinking about her today!!! They were talking about her on the Catholic Channel on satellite radio tonight. I was just thinking I really want to read her story. I know Mark Twain wrote one ac..."

The Abbey of Gethsemani does offer retreats, you would need to check with their retreat master for accommodations.

Also, about 90 minutes away in southern Indiana there is St Meinrad's Abbey. They have numerous weekend retreats all with plenty of quiet time.

Thank you. Years ago I heard about the retreats in Kentucky. A friend of mine went a couple of years ago and loved it. I hope to make it sometime.

Speaking of French saints, did you see the Holy Father cannonized the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux? We now have a family of saints!

No, I missed that! Thanks for sharing.

Here's something on it.

http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith...

Manny wrote: "Speaking of French saints, did you see the Holy Father cannonized the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux? We now have a family of saints!"

Such wonderful witnesses for the importance of family!

By the way, I keep the New Advent website as a quick place for Catholic news and interesting web articles as a daily go to. Check it out:
http://newadvent.org/

Thanks Manny. I'm also reading a book that's very pertinent to this thread and recommended it.

Angels and Saints: A Biblical Guide to Friendship with God's Holy Ones by Scott Hahn

Scott Hahn is the very best! You can never go wrong with any of his books.

I'm devoted to Saint Therese and just finished "Walking the Little Way of Therese of Lisieux." What a wonderful book! If you're interested in a deeper study of her Little Way, you will love this one. Schmidt uses references from historical facts to quotes from people who knew her to give the reader a detailed explanation of her philosophy. I was really impressed. I understand he's written several books about her. I intend to read them all!

Angel7 wrote: "I'm devoted to Saint Therese and just finished "Walking the Little Way of Therese of Lisieux." What a wonderful book! If you're interested in a deeper study of her Little Way, you will love this on..."

This looks like a good book. Amazon reviews give it a five. Thanks for the recommendation, I've added it to my wish list.