Author: Timothy
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Zita of Lucca (Sitha or Citha)
St Zita (1212-1272) was born in Monte Saegrati, Tuscany, into a poor family. At 12yrs, she became a humble servant to the rich Fatinelli weaver household, citizens of Lucca in Italy, a role she remained in for the rest of her life, forty-eight years. St Zita was diligent, hard working and patient. She believed that “a…
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Authority Of Jesus
Extract: The occasion was probably Holy Week, perhaps the Tuesday. Chief Priests, Elders (and Scribes) approached Jesus while he was teaching in the Temple courts. They asked, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” By “these things” they were referring to Jesus’ recent works such as preaching, healing…
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St Catherine of Siena: Day 6
Background: St Catherine was born in Siena. At around 6yrs, she had her first vision of Christ. She joined a Dominican Order, learned to read and lived outside the convent in, “Almost total silence and solitude in the family home”. At 21, she had another visionary experience, ‘Mystical Marriage,’ in which Jesus asked her to enter public…
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Jesus Appears To His Apostles
Extract: When Jesus appeared to the Apostles while they were eating, “He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him resurrected”. (Mark 16: 9-15) Thoughts It was a harsh disapproval from Jesus. The ten apostles present in the room had seemingly rejected the evidence of…
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Cletus (Anacletus)
Pope St Cletus (Died ca.92) was the third Bishop of Rome following St Peter and St Linus. His papacy extended for twelve years, from circa. 80-92 (Annuario Pontificio). St Cletus divided Rome into twenty-five Parishes and ordained an unknown number of priests. He was buried near to St Peter and St Linus. St Cletus’ Feast Day…
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Pedro of St Joseph de Betancur (Betancourt)
St Pedro was born into a poor Christian family at Vilaflor, Tenerife. He spent much of his early life, until around the age of 23yrs, as a shepherd. He was notably religious and used a cave as part of his simple daily living; working, praying and doing penance. In 1649, St Pedro left Tenerife; he…
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Mark The Evangelist
Hippolytus tells us that St Mark (Died 68AD) was one of the “seventy disciples” sent by Jesus to preach His Gospel in Judea. It can, therefore, be assumed that he travelled with Jesus during some of His ministries, listened to His teachings and observed His multiple miracles. Following Jesus’ resurrection, St Mark joined St Peter…
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St Catherine of Siena: Day 5
Background: St Catherine was born in Siena. At around 6yrs, she had her first vision of Christ. She joined a Dominican Order, learned to read and lived outside the convent in, “Almost total silence and solitude in the family home”. At 21, she had another visionary experience, ‘Mystical Marriage,’ in which Jesus asked her to enter public…
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Fidelis Of Sigmaringen
St Fidelis (1577-1622) was born in Sigmaringen, Germany. He was highly academic and studied law and philosophy at the University of Freiburg. After obtaining a Doctorate, he lectured at the University. At 27, and known for his “modesty, meekness and chastity”, St Fidelis travelled Europe for the next six years. Whilst doing so, his religious…
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Jesus Makes Another Appearance
Extract: The two disciples, who Jesus appeared to on the road to Emmaus, returned immediately to Jerusalem to tell the others. When they were with the eleven, suddenly Jesus appeared among them saying, “Peace be with you”. But they were startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost”. Jesus said to them, “Why are…