Butler's Lives of the Saints Page 2

  Elizabeth Ann died at Emmitsburg, Maryland, on January 4, 1821. In September, 1975, Pope Paul VI formally canonized her.

  Near her death, Elizabeth Ann wrote a statement of faith that reads like poetry:

  Link by link, the blessed chain

  One Body in Christ—He the head we the members

  One Spirit diffused thru’ the Holy Ghost in us all

  One Hope—Him in heaven and Eternity

  One Faith—by his Word and his Church

  One Baptism and participation of his sacraments

  One God our dear Lord

  One Father We his children—he above all through all and in all. Who can resist, all self must be killed and destroyed by this artillery of love—one, one, one. Who could escape this bond of unity, peace, and love? O my soul, be fastened link by link, strong as death, iron, and Hell as says the sacred Word.

  JANUARY 5

  Genoveva Torres Morales (1870–1956)

  Happiness is harmony with God

  Both of Genoveva’s Spanish parents and four of her brothers and sisters had died by the time she was eight. Genoveva alone survived to care for their home and had the difficult task of rearing José, her younger brother. At ten, she began reading books on religious subjects, and concluded that happiness was to be found in doing God’s will. She determined to practice this with her life.

  When Genoveva was thirteen an infected leg became gangrenous and required amputation. Doctors removed her left leg in her home without the benefit of sufficient anesthesia. For the remainder of her life, Genoveva walked on crutches and coped with persistent pain.

  At fifteen, she began nine years with the Sisters and other children at the Mercy Home run by the Carmelites of Charity. During this time she became a proficient seamstress and deepened her devotional life. Commenting on her discovery of spiritual liberty during her years at the Mercy Home, Genoveva wrote, “I loved freedom of heart very much, and worked and am working to achieve it fully. It does the soul so much good that every effort is nothing compared with this free condition of the heart.”

  In 1911, when Genoveva was 41, she accepted the assignment to begin a new kind of religious community—one intended for poor women who could not support themselves. She organized the first such community in Valencia. In time, she established other communities in scattered Spanish locations. Necessary administrative detail crowded in upon her personal prayer life and added spiritual distress to the physical pain that was her constant companion.

  She had a reputation for kindness and openness to others. Her good humor was legendary, and she would even joke about her physical condition. “Even if I must suffer greatly, thanks be to God’s mercy,” she said, “I will not lack courage.”

  Genoveva died on January 5, 1956.

  JANUARY 6

  John de Ribera (1532–1611)

  The influence of circumstance

  John grew up in Seville, Spain, in a gracious environment of family and church. His father, Peter de Ribera, a devout Christian, was an important political figure. Educated at the University of Salamanca, John became an ordained priest at the age of twenty-five and remained at the university to teach theology.

  Because his leadership abilities were extraordinary, he was appointed bishop, against his wishes, in 1562. After fulfilling that responsibility with distinction for six years, he became archbishop of Valencia. This difficult and fatiguing position he held for fortytwo years. Unfortunately, John de Ribera shared a popular notion of his people that the Moors who lived in the excellent agricultural region of Valencia were “sponges who suck up Christian wealth.” He agreed with the 1609 edict expelling them from Valencia. This action resulted in horribly brutal behavior and damaged the local economy. He died two years later in 1611. The Church made an unusual statement honoring the personal virtues of God’s servant, but did not accept his political views.

  JANUARY 7

  Raymund of Penafort (ca. 1175–1275)

  Organizing and codifying

  Raymund, a Spanish Dominican who held a doctorate in law, made a significant contribution to codifying church law. Born in Catalonia, he studied and taught in Barcelona. At the age of fortyseven he exchanged his academic career for life with the Dominicans, and soon after, Rome asked him to come and organize the decrees issued by the popes and church councils of the previous century. The five-volume result, Decretals, became the standard reference for church regulations until recent times.

  At sixty, Raymund became archbishop of Aragon. He never enjoyed this position, and after two years, an illness led to his resignation. The next year the Dominicans chose Raymund to head their Order. He took his work seriously, faithfully visiting by walking to each Dominican community.

  With Raymund’s background in law, he decided to revise the Dominican Order’s constitution, writing in a provision that the head of the Order could resign. When the Dominicans approved his new constitution, he immediately resigned from office at the modern retirement age of sixty-five.

  But his life was not nearly complete. He lived approximately another thirty-five years. He used this time to teach, even guiding Thomas Aquinas (see January 28). Raymund of Peñafort devoted great effort in these remaining years to fighting heresy and trying to convert the Moors in Spain to Christianity. In 1256, he wrote his master-general that ten thousand Muslims had been converted and baptized under his leadership.

  JANUARY 8

  Thorfinn (d. 1285)

  Faithful in obscurity

  The Norwegian Thorfinn died at a Cistercian monastery in Belgium. During his life he did not attract much attention, and after he was buried, most people all but forgot him.

  About fifty years later construction workers accidentally broke open his tomb. Instead of a disagreeable odor, there was a strong, pleasing scent. The abbot asked his monks about the man interred on the site and found one of them, the aged Walter de Muda, who remembered Thorfinn. Walter recalled that Thorfinn had impressed the community with his gentle, yet strong personality. De Muda had actually written a little poem praising Thorfinn that was entombed with him. Searchers found this poem on parchment, undeteriorated after five decades. The abbot took this as a sign that it was important to perpetuate the memory of Thorfinn, and asked Walter to write everything he could remember about him. All that we know about this saint today may be read in Walter’s sketchy recollections and the tribute he paid him with his poem. He remembered Thorfinn as a kind, patient, generous man, whose gentle nature was combined with a strong moral character.

  JANUARY 9

  Julian and Basilissa (fourth century)

  Acts of charity

  Husband and wife, Julian and Basilissa turned their home into something of a hospital for the poor. In this facility, they provided a refuge for the helpless and the homeless, and as many as a thousand people came under their care.

  Julian and Basilissa lived in fourth-century Egypt where their expression of personal Christian dedication resulted in many acts of charity and penance. We do not know many details of their lives, though it is certain Julian outlived his wife by many years. Both of them died as martyrs for their faith.

  JANUARY 10

  Leonie Aviat (1844–1914)

  Saintly influence

  Leonie was born in Sézanne, France, in 1844. She developed spiritually at the Monastery of the Visitation in Troyes. The influence of Francis de Sales (January 24) permeated her experience there. With this preparation, she founded a congregation committed to Salesian spirituality and to the evangelization and education of young textile workers.

  From France, Leonie’s work spread to Italy, Mexico, and many other places worldwide. Inspired by Francis de Sales, she worked for the happiness of others and was faithful to her resolution “to forget myself entirely.” She died in Perugia, Italy, on January 10, 1914.

  JANUARY 11

  Thomas of Cori (1653–1729)

  A life of prayer

  Thomas, who became an orphan at fourteen, was left alone to
take care of his sisters. He supported his family by herding sheep, and this gave him time to reflect on spiritual matters. When his sisters were married, Thomas became a Franciscan and was ordained a priest in 1683.

  A commentator writes that Thomas of Cori was not so much a man who prayed as a man who became prayer. At the same time, Thomas admitted that even with his intense dedication to prayer he experienced spiritual dryness for about forty years.

  Thomas devoted himself to visiting with others in various regions of Italy. He preached with lucidity, in a straightforward and persuasive style. While he attempted to live a thoroughly Franciscan life, he patiently and kindly encouraged others who were not as spiritually mature as himself. Personal humility characterized his demeanor.

  JANUARY 12

  Bernard of Corleone (1605–67)

  Change of life

  His parents, who tended a small vineyard in Sicily, named him Philip. While he received no formal education, he did learn to be a cobbler. After his father died, Philip made and repaired shoes to support himself and his mother.

  During the seventeenth century, Spanish mercenaries occupied Sicily. Proficient in the use of swords, they taught young Philip the art of swordsmanship. He gained a reputation for being the best “blade” in Sicily. He used his sword to protect women and peasant neighbors from abuse by the soldiers. One incident provoked a duel in which Philip seriously wounded his opponent. Seeking sanctuary, he ran to a local church and hid there. In the quiet of that place, the young man reviewed his life and decided it was meaningless.

  In December of 1631, at the age of twenty-seven, Philip joined the Franciscans in Caltanisetta, and received the religious name of Bernard. Not only did he change his name, but he radically changed his manner of living. Instead of reaching for his sword when provoked, he now responded with silence.

  Bernard of Corleone turned his former violence toward others into merciless violence toward himself. Self-discipline became a central task for him as he advanced rapidly in a life of devotion to God.

  In the manner of Francis of Assisi (October 4), he had a loving and healing relationship with animals. People brought their sick pets and farm animals to him with remarkable results. He practiced a ritual of praying the Lord’s Prayer over an animal and then leading it three times around a cross in front of his church. His life was in harmony with all of God’s creation.

  Bernard of Corleone died in 1667 at the age of sixty-two, an uneducated cobbler and sword fighter who won his greatest duel— with himself.

  JANUARY 13

  Hilary of Poitiers (ca. 315–67)

  Quiet studies

  After receiving a good education in rhetoric and philosophy, Hilary married and had a daughter. In 350, following lengthy and serious study, he became a Christian convert.

  Leadership qualities quickly brought Hilary to positions of responsibility in the Church. By 353 he was a bishop, and for the remainder of his life he championed the cause of orthodox Christian doctrine that was challenged by the growing popularity of heresies. Augustine and Jerome expressed great respect for his clear thinking and persuasive abilities. He demonstrated a compassionate love for heretics while yet combating their heresy. Described as gentle and courteous, he was a friendly person whose writing on Christian doctrine remains engaging in our day.

  Hilary died at the age of fifty-two.

  JANUARY 14

  Sava of Serbia (1174–1237)

  Guiding others

  Sava called himself an “unworthy, lazy monk.” An easy-going man, he never became heavy-handed with those under his oversight. His gentle guidance proved effective in the training of young monks. He invariably came down on the side of kindness and leniency.

  Born in Bulgaria, the third son of Prince Stephen Nemanya (who won independence for the Serbs), Sava became a monk in 1191. Five years later, his princely father abdicated and joined him in his religious vocation. These two monks, father and son, founded a monastery at Mount Athos which became the center of Serbian culture.

  Sava translated Scripture and other books into the Serbian language. The Mount Athos monastery, named Khilandari, still possesses some of his hand-written work.

  JANUARY 15

  Arnold Janssen (1837–1909)

  An idealistic dream

  Arnold Janssen grew up on his family farm in Germany. After studying mathematics, science, and philosophy, he attended seminary in Muenster. In 1861 he became an ordained priest and began to work as a schoolteacher.

  Appointed director of the Apostleship of Prayer, Arnold began to mingle with Christians of other denominations. He traveled to many places, often walking. A growing interest in mission work led him to give up his teaching responsibilities and devote his full energy to promoting missions in Germany and beyond. He began a popular magazine, The Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart.

  The civil government in Germany during the late nineteenth century began to restrict the Church. Anti-Catholic laws resulted in the imprisonment of bishops and the exile of priests. Arnold looked for ways to make the best of a bad situation. He proposed that some of the expelled priests could become missionaries, or at least they could help train them. His ideas received little support. People argued that he was too idealistic, and that Germany was not ready to begin such a grand project. Janssen responded, “The Lord challenges our faith to do something new, precisely when so many things are collapsing in the Church.”

  Promoting his project in the Little Messenger, he began fundraising. German politics complicated his search for a house to use for the training of priests. He shopped for real estate across the Netherlands border, and bought property in Steyl. There the Church founded the Divine Word Missionaries in 1875. Four years later, the first two missionaries departed for China.

  A steady flow of eager students came into Steyl. Improvements to the house required the labor of many volunteers who engaged in what they considered mission work. Janssen had not anticipated this enthusiastic blossoming of his idea. Women also arrived to work in the kitchen and later formed the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. The first Sisters went to Argentina in 1895.

  Arnold Janssen died at the house in Steyl at the age of seventyone, on January 15, 1909. Today, more than six thousand Divine Word Missionaries work in sixty-five countries, and almost four thousand Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters serve in thirty-five countries. A farm boy’s idealistic dream continues to bear a rich spiritual harvest.

  JANUARY 16

  Honoratus of Arles (ca. 350–429)

  Searching

  Honoratus was born in the fourth century to a Roman family working for their government in Gaul. As a young person, he abandoned pagan worship of idols and became a Christian. He moved with his brother Venantius, to Greece and attempted life as a religious hermit. Their circumstances were difficult, exposing them to physical hardships. Venantius became ill and died. Honoratus, also quite sick, returned home and established a monastery on one of the Mediterranean islands that bears his name today.

  He became archbishop of Arles, assuming responsibilities that consumed the final three years of his life.

  JANUARY 17

  Anthony of Egypt (ca. 251–356)

  Surrendering everything

  Credit for the concept of monasticism goes to Anthony. He is considered the father of all monks. Growing up in a Christian home in Egypt, Anthony lost his parents early, inheriting a small fortune. When he reached the age of twenty Christ’s words about selling what you have and giving it to the poor touched him profoundly. He determined to practice Christ’s teaching literally. Once he had arranged for the care of his younger sister, he sought solitude in the desert for prayer and meditation. His experiences during the next twenty years of his life parallel those of the temptation of Christ.

  Many came to Anthony for spiritual direction and advice. The emperor Constantine wrote, requesting his prayers. Anthony set up a scattered group of cells that were the world’s first suggestion of a monastery. He expected to becom
e a martyr during the Roman persecution of Christians in 311, but did not, even though he went to Alexandria while openly wearing his identifying white tunic of sheepskin in order to encourage other Christians.

  Living beyond one hundred years, Anthony actively opposed the Arian heresy (see the January 2 entry). The story of his life was influential in the conversion of Augustine (August 28).

  JANUARY 18

  Christina Ciccarelli (sixteenth century)

  Caring for the poor

  Christina was an Italian who became an Augustinian nun. While she stayed far from any public spotlight, her profound spirituality became well-known. She had great concern for the needs of the poor, working with other nuns to provide them with essentials. On January 18, 1543, the day of her death, the children of Aquila, where her convent was located, paraded in the streets mourning her death.

  JANUARY 19

  Canute IV, King of Denmark (1043–86)

  Meeting a challenge

  Canute became king of Denmark in 1081. Much of the Danish nation was at least nominally Christian because of the labor of English missionaries. Canute worked to strengthen the Church in his country by law and financial subsidies.

  A series of political misjudgments, including an attempt to claim the crown of England, led to his downfall. The Danish people did not support his taxing them for religious purposes and rebelled against him. An angry mob gathered outside the church where Canute was praying. As he knelt, receiving the holy Eucharist, someone threw a spear through a church window, striking and killing this king of Denmark.