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Saintly Priests Awaiting Sponsors [Page 6]
Consider Sponsoring One of These Priests or Another
St. Roque Gonzalez de Santa Cruz (1576-1628) Consider sponsoring St. Roque Gonzalez de Santa Cruz in Chapel of 1000 Priests
The son of noble Spanish parents, Roque was born in Asuncion, the capitol of Paraguay. Everyone assumed that this good, religious boy would become a priest, and, although he felt unworthy, he was ordained at the age of twenty-three. He began to seek out the Native Americans in Paraguay, preaching to them and instructing them in Christianity. After ten years, wishing to avoid ecclesiastical promotion, Roque joined the Jesuits and was sent to the missions as he wished. The Jesuits were then creating settlements of Christian Native Americans and working with them as trustees and guardians. For twenty years, Roque worked tirelessly in these settlements, half a dozen of which he established. In doing so, he was the first European to penetrate into some of the remote areas of South America. In establishing two of these missions with two other priests, Roque and the others met death at the hands of Native Americans who suspected ill of their peaceful efforts.
Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych (c 1580 - 12 November 1623) Consider sponsoring Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in what is now Ukraine, Ioann Kuntsevych was descended from Ruthenian nobility, but his father was a business man and engaged in community politics. Both his parents were very religious and taught Ioann the faith. A quick learner, Ioann did well with his studies. At the age of twenty, he entered a monastery following the Rule of Saint Basil the Great and was given the name Josaphat. Continually praying the Jesus Prayer, offering many penances for sinners, Josaphat grew in self discipline and in holiness. Because of his reputation, other young men were inspired to enter the monastery. Josaphat's preaching captured many converts from Calvinism, earning him the name "the soul snatcher." Once ordained a priest, he heard the confessions of condemned prisoners and accompanied them to their executions. He became prior of several monasteries. He gave alms to the poor, widows, and orphans. When he was appointed Archbishop, the poor were helped at his palace. In working to bring the people into communion with the Roman Catholic Church, Josaphat restored churches, issued a catechism for the clergy, composed rules for priestly life, and called synods. Faced with great unrest and schisms in the Church, Josphat angered some dissidents who stormed his residence and killed him.
Pope Saint Anicetus (late first century - 168) Consider sponsoring Pope Saint Anicetus in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in what is now Homs, Syria, Anicetus had a childhood of which we know little. Elected the 11th Pope around the year 153, Anicetus opposed the heresy of Gnosticism which taught that personal knowledge is above Church teaching and the heresy of Marcionism which taught that there was a god of the Old Testament who was strict and unbending as opposed to the god of the New Testament who was benevolent and merciful. He and the elderly Saint Polycarp had a discussion on the date of Easter, neither convincing the other but both remaining respectful friends. He was visited by important personages and was well respected. The circumstances of his martyrdom are unclear.
Saint Proclus of Constantinople (c. 390 - 24 July 446) Consider sponsoring Saint Proclus of Constantinople in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Constantinople, Turkey, at a time when most people were illiterate, Proclus became a lector at Mass while still young. Intelligent and quick learning, Proclus studied rhetoric and theology under private tutors. Ordained by the bishop, Proclus wrote the bishop's talks. In time, Proclus became a celebrated popular preacher. In 430, the bishop invited Proclus to give the homily on a feast of Mary, Mother of God. The homily was one of high praise for Mary, using Biblical texts and persuasive arguments to extol Mary as Mother of God, a subject then under debate. The homily is considered the most famous Marian sermon in history and was inserted into the beginning of the Acts of the Council of Ephesus. In 434, Proclus became archbishop of Constantinople. His episcopate was filled with controversy regarding Church doctrines. As a wise, moderate, respectful bishop, Proclus attempted to win people to the truth through persuasion rather than force. He had the relics of Saint John Chrysostom interred in the Church of the Twelve Apostles and supported the use of the hymn, "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us."
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Venerable Placido Cortese (7 March 1907 - c 3 November 1944) Consider sponsoring Venerable Placido Cortese in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born on the island of Cres (part of Croatia), thirteen year old Nicolò Matteo Cortese, following a persistent interior call, entered religious life in a Franciscan monastery in Italy. Upon entering the novitiate, he took the name Placido. After being ordained in 1930, Placido assumed many important roles in his Franciscan Order. In 1937, he was appointed director of the monthly magazine the Messenger of Saint Anthony. Under his direction, subscriptions grew to 500,000. While working at the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, Placido could not turn a blind eye to Nazi atrocities taking place all around him. He became involved in a secret network that helped Jews, Allied soldiers, and political refugees escape. Operating quietly from his confessional, Placido and his collaborators produced fake documents and planned escape routes for countless people who were saved from certain death. As risks of discovery increased, Placido would not relax his efforts. On October 8, 1944, a man whom Placido trusted led him outside the security of the Basilica's grounds where the Gestapo immediately seized and arrested him. Despite horrific torture, Placido would reveal nothing. About a month later, the Nazis killed him and cremated his body at a concentration camp.
Blessed Francesco Zirano (1564 - 25 January 1603) Consider sponsoring Blessed Francesco Zirano in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Sardinia to a family of modest farmers, Francesco received an education from a nearby monastery. In 1540, he professed to the Friars Minor Conventual and was ordained a priest in 1586. At the friary, he served various roles: beggar, bursar, vicar. When his younger cousin, also a priest, was captured and enslaved by Barbary pirates, Francesco obtained permission from the pope to raise funds to ransom him and other slaves. For three years, he traveled around Sardinia, soliciting donations for kidnapped Sardinians and consoling their families. When he had the funds, he sailed for the Barbary coast in spring of 1602. However, Matteo, the friar who accompanied him, was later accused of being part of a plot to overthrow the government. In the meantime, Francesco had helped four Christian slaves escape from their masters and helped comfort Algerian captives in the Kingdom of Kuku which was at war with Algeria. Francesco was captured after being asked to deliver a letter to Spain and then being left stranded by his supposedly protective squad of soldiers. Mistaken for Matteo, Francesco was tortured and promised freedom if he converted to Islam. Once his captors realized that he would not convert, nor was he Matteo who would command a high ransom, they flayed Francesco alive, thus granting him the crown of martyrdom.
Saint Dunstan (c 909 - 19 May 988) Consider sponsoring Saint Dunstan in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Dunstan (the sketch is assumed to be a self-portrait) was born in England near Glastonbury. Devoted to learning and accomplished in artistic endeavors, Dunstan entered service to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Later he was appointed to the king's court. After recovering from a life-threatening attack of tumors all over his body, Dunstan gave his life to God and lived as a hermit. His time of study, solitude and prayer did not last as Dunstan embarked on many years of service to the king, the archbishop, and Benedictine abbeys which he sought to reform. A man of constant action, he rebuilt an abbey, founded a school, and expanded an irrigation system. When an unfavorable king came to power, Dunstan had to flee the country. When a favorable king took over, Dunstan returned and was consecrated bishop and then archbishop. Known for his charity, his arts and crafts, and his reforms of churches and monasteries, Dunstan worked up to his death. For two centuries, he was England's most popular saint.
Saint Ninnidh (born c 6th century - died 6th century) Consider sponsoring Saint Ninnidh (pronounced Ninny) in Chapel of 1000 Priests
A grandson of King Laoghaire, the High King of Ireland, Ninnidh was educated by saintly Irish monks and had in his class other students who also became saints. Ordained a priest, Ninnidh journeyed up and down the lower portion of Lower Lough Erne, using a hollowed out boat (like a canoe but deeper) to travel. He preached on both sides of the river and would, after a preaching tour, return to his home on the island of Inishmacsaint where he built a monastery around the year 530. In addition to sailing and preaching himself, Ninnidh also sent priests and monks to the local churches. In 530, he held a 40 day Lenten fast on Knockninny Hill. Recognized as one of the twelve Apostles of Ireland, Ninnidh was admired for his faith, spiritual direction, and counsel.
Saint Ansovinus (died 816) Consider sponsoring Saint Ansovinus in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Italy, Ansovinus was educated at the cathedral school in Paiva. After being ordained a priest, he became a hermit near Torcello. Recognized for his sanctity and wisdom, he became confessor to the Holy Roman Emperor who wanted to make him bishop of Camerino. Ansovinus refused until the emperor agreed that he would not conscript soldiers from Ansovinus' diocese. Then the Pope consecrated him a bishop. Ansovinus felt empathy for the poor and treated them with generosity. His diocese was rife with factions which he worked to reconcile peacefully. Once, during a food shortage, Ansovinus fed thousands of starving people from the regional granary, and the grain never ran out. This miracle he attributed to God's love and mercy. Probably because of this miracle, Ansovinus is the patron saint of agriculture and small farmers.
Saint Pacian (c. 310 AD - c. 391 AD) Consider sponsoring Saint Pacian in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Little is known about the childhood of the nobly born Saint Pacian, a Spanish bishop and Father of the Church. As Bishop of Barcelona from 365 to 391, Pacian was respected for his eloquence, learning, chastity, and holiness. Three of his letters and a short treatise exist. In these, Pacian discusses discipline among the clergy, penance, baptism, papal primacy, and the truth of the faith vs. a popular heresy that refused to accept lapsed Catholics back into the faith. Pacian taught that God's mercy and acceptance extend to all because all people are capable of and called to repentance. Pacian was bishop before celibacy was required for priests. He was married and had a son whom he raised well to hold high office in the Roman Empire.
Saint Isidore of Alexandria, the Hospitaller (318 - 403) Consider sponsoring Saint Isidore of Alexandria, the Hospitaller in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Egypt, Isidore lived as a hermit for some time in the Egyptian wildness and desert. Isidore lived a quiet life until he came to the attention of Bishop Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, who was traveling about Egypt visiting churches and the faithful. When Athanasius met Isidore, after hearing about him from others, he determined that what he heard about Isidore's faith and holiness was, indeed, true. A later biographer wrote of Isidore that he was a model of "meekness, patience, mortification, and prayer." Therefore, the Bishop ordained Isidore a priest and put him in charge of a hospital where his compassion and faith extended to the sick and poor in his charge. When Athanasius died, Isidore took up the bishop's arguments against the Arian heresy which denied Christ's divinity. When he got into a disagreement with the new bishop, who wrongly accused him of erroneous theological beliefs, Isidore had to flee and go into exile where he died.
Saint Æthelwold of Winchester (born between 904 and 909 - 1 August 984) Consider sponsoring Saint Æthelwold of Winchester in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Æthelwold of Winchester (Aethelwold, Ethelwold) was the son of noble parents in Winchester, England. Serving years in the king's court, Æthelwold learned much and was the king's trusted companion. The king arranged for him to be ordained by the bishop under whom he was sent to study. When his education with the bishop was completed, Æthelwold moved to a Benedictine Abbey where his studies continued. Eventually, he was made dean of the abbey. When the king died, his successor assigned Æthelwold to be abbot of a monastery that was then being operated by secular priests instead of Benedictine monks. Æthelwold brought the abbey back to Benedictine observance, built a church, and rebuilt the cloister. In 963, Æthelwold was consecrated Bishop of Winchester. He commenced to reform the monasteries and nunneries and to replace slack clergy and nuns with fervent ones. Reformer and friend of the poor, Æthelwold was both learned and humble, generous with others and ascetic toward himself. "Terrible as a lion" to the rebellious, he was "gentle as a dove" with the meek. He was also teacher, scholar, author, preacher, and patron of religious art.
Saint Ælfheah of Canterbury (c 953 - 19 April 1012). Consider sponsoring Saint Ælfheah of Canterbury in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in the outskirts of Bath, England, Ælfheah became a monk at an early age. He later became an anchorite, that is someone who withdraws from secular life to lead a life of prayer, fasting, and penance. Recognized for his piety and austerity, Ælfheah was consecrated abbot of Bath Abbey b 981. In 986, he was made Bishop of Winchester. He constructed a large organ in the cathedral that could be heard a mile away, built and enlarged city churches, and promoted veneration to several saintly priests and bishops. Following a Viking raid in 994, he seems to have been instrumental in the conversion to Christianity of one of the raiders. In 1006, Ælfheah became archbishop of Canterbury where he continued to promote the veneration of area saints. He introduced new practices into the liturgy, was involved in church councils, and appointed teachers at monastery schools. In 1011, the Danes raided England, sacked Canterbury, burned the Cathedral, and took Ælfheah and some other clergy and religious as prisoners. Held captive for seven months, Ælfheah, refusing to allow a ransom to be paid for his freedom, was martyred on the Saturday during the Easter octave.
Saint Deodat of Rodez (born ? - died 14 November 1391) Consider sponsoring Saint Deodat of Rodez in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Saint Deodat of Rodez is one of those saints about whom we know little. The fuzzy image of the San Damiano Crucifix on the right, before which Saint Francis prayed, is a symbol of the fuzzy information we have. We can surmise a bit about this man. Perhaps he was named after Deodatus, a beloved fifth century bishop of Rodez, France. Deodat must have loved God totally for he joined the Franciscan friars and became a priest. With others, he was sent to the Holy Land where, after several years of missionary work, he and some others, knowing that they would like be martyred, decided to preach directly to Muslim authorities, What they suspected happened. All four friars met their deaths for preaching Christ and refusing to relinquish their faith.
Blessed James of Strepar (c 1340 - 1 June 1411) Consider sponsoring Blessed James of Strepar in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born of a noble family in Galacia, Poland, James, seeking to escape worldly dangers, entered the Order of Friars Minor while young. His virtue and zeal for souls soon became legendary. With the consent of superiors, he went to Russia to preach the Gospel to those who did not know Christ and founded a society to expand the work. The Pope made him archbishop of Halicz from 1392 until his death. James reluctantly accepted but continued to wear his habit. He acted as missionary, apostle of the Holy Eucharist, promoter of Eucharistic Adoration and of devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. Always concerned with the poor and needy, James founded churches, monasteries, schools, and hospitals. Tirelessly he traveled through Poland and Russia, converting many by his faith and fervor. His body is incorrupt.
Saint Judoc (died 668) Consider sponsoring Saint Judoc in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in the Kingdom of Amorica (Brittany Peninsula, north west of France), Judoc was the king's second son. He had no real desire for advancement, but his father ordered him to receive an education with some monks. However, when it came time for Judoc to assume the throne, he renounced the crown and went with 11 other pilgrims on a pilgrimage to Rome. They took a round about route, eventually reaching Somme, France. Welcomed by the Duke of Ponthieu, Judoc and the pilgrims were detained. Judoc's piety so impressed the duke that he asked the bishop to ordain Judoc a priest. Therefore, when the other pilgrims went on their way to Rome, the Duke retained Judoc to be his family's chaplain. After seven years, Judoc begged the duke to set him free from service and to point him to a place where he could live as a hermit. The duke did so, but Judoc didn't stay in that place. Eight times, he moved from one hermitage to another. At one place, he built a chapel dedicated to Saint Martin. Years later, moving on from this spot, he walked to a different location where he built two chapels dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Eventually, it seems, he completed his pilgrimage by getting to Rome. Then he returned to Ponthieu where he died.
Saint Alexander of Jerusalem (2nd century - 251) Consider sponsoring Saint Alexander of Jerusalem in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Originally from Cappadocia (Turkey), Alexander studied in the Christian schools of higher learning in Alexandria, Egypt. There he met a student named Origen who became a preacher, author, and theologian. After becoming Cappadocia's first bishop, Alexander was sought after by a hostile emperor and imprisoned for his faith. Upon release, Alexander came to Jerusalem where he met the aged bishop who, impressed with his faith and knowledge, asked Alexander to assist him as coadjutor of the diocese. When that bishop died, Alexander took his place. Meeting again with Origen, Alexander allowed him to preach in the churches, even though Origen was a layman. However, this created controversy and eventually Alexander ordained Origen as a priest. As bishop, Alexander built a library in Jerusalem. After years of good work and faithful service to the Church, Alexander and several other bishops were rounded up for being Christians where they were imprisoned, tortured, and eventually martyred.
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem (c 9 March 99 - c 216) Consider sponsoring Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem in Chapel of 1000 Priests
History records little of Narcissus' youth and family. However, he was such a faithful Christian that he was made Bishop of Jerusalem when he was 80 years old. In 195, he and the bishop of Caesaria presided over a council which determined that Easter is always to be celebrated on a Sunday. Narcissus was faithful and compassionate. One Easter-eve, the deacons did not have any oil for the lamps which was needed for the solemn Divine Office liturgy of that day. Narcissus ordered those who cared for the lamps to bring him fresh well water. Over this he prayed, then told the deacons to pour the water into the lamps and it had changed to oil. Another time, three great sinners concocted a story, accusing Narcissus of a terrible crime. He was exonerated but shortly after fled to the desert to live as a hermit, something he had long desired. The neighboring bishops chose another to replace Narcissus. After several years of peace and solitude, Narcissus returned to Jerusalem where he was immediately selected to resume his duties as Bishop. Naming a coadjutor to assist him in old age, Narcissus continued his duties by working for unity and by his prayers. He was about 116 years old when he died.
Saint Felix of Nola (early 3rd century - c 260) Consider sponsoring Saint Felix of Nola in Chapel of 1000 Priests
The elder son of a Syrian centurion who had retired to Italy, Felix was attracted to a religious life but waited until his father died to sell most of his property and possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. He then pursued a priestly vocation and, after ordination, worked with the bishop. When the bishop fled during a persecution of Christians, Felix was apprehended, beaten, and imprisoned. By the grace of God, he escaped to find and help the bishop. When both hid in an abandoned building, a spider quickly spun a web across the entrance so that soldiers seeking the two holy men assumed the building was empty and bypassed it. The two managed to hide until the emperor died in 251 and the persecution ended. When the bishop died, the people wanted Felix to take his place, but Felix humbly asked that a priest seven days his senior be consecrated instead. Until his death of old age, Felix continued his priestly ministry and his farming, giving most of his produce to the poor.
Saint Victor of Plancy (Arcis), the Hermit (6th century or 7th century) Consider sponsoring Saint Victor of Plancy in Chapel of 1000 Priests
We know about Saint Victor of Plancy because a much better known saint, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, heard of him, highly respected his holiness, and wrote of him. Born to a noble and devout family in Plancy, France, Victor had a deep love for God from childhood. Well educated in both secular and spiritual matters, Victor was ordained a priest and yet, preferring a life of total prayer to one of service, he embraced a solitary, hermit lifestyle. Nevertheless, Victor was not left alone. Knowledge of his holiness and wisdom spread among the people who sought him for prayer and counsel. Thus, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, Victor, by his life and words, brought many unbelievers to faith in Christ and believers to deeper devotion to the Lord. At his death, Victor was spiritual director to many souls. Recognizing his holiness, Benedictine monks buried him at their abbey even though he had never lived there. Memories of his faith and goodness were passed down through the Benedictines through the centuries. Thus, the Benedictine abbot Saint Bernard, hearing of Victor, wrote an Office (prayer liturgy), poems and hymns in his honor.
Saint Antonio Gonzalez (1593 - 24 September 1537) Consider sponsoring Saint Antonion Gonzalez in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born to deeply spiritual parents in Scotland, Antonio's spirituality developed quickly and he entered the Dominican Order at the age of 16. Taking as a role model priest and martyr Saint Peter of Verona, Antonio felt a desire for martyrdom. Once ordained a priest, Antonio was sent to Spain where he taught theology until he answered an invitation to become a voluntary missionary to the Far East. Antonio had spoken frequently of love, humility, and forgiveness, and his compassion for the poor was a trademark of his faith. After preparing for the mission in the Philippines and serving as professor and acting rector of the University of Saint Thomas, Antonio was finally sent to Japan where he ministered to Christians who were then in hiding as Christianity had been outlawed at that time. After a year of missionary work, he was arrested while wearing his habit which showed that he had gone to Japan to spread the Gospel. Antonio was tortured terribly for his faith but would not recant. He was found dead in his cell. After his death, the faithful attributed miracles to his intercession.
Saint Guillaume Courtet (1589 - 29 September1637) Consider sponsoring Saint Guillaume Courtet in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in southern France, Guillaume first entered a religious order in Béziers but transferred to the Dominicans in Toulouse. Ordained a priest, Guillaume served as a diplomat during the Thirty Years War, then became a professor at a university in Manila in the Philippines. He was known as an eloquent preacher who, through his words and the grace of the Holy Spirit, made many converts and who reawakened faith in the lukewarm. Wishing to bring the faith to Japen, he secretly entered that country in 1636, knowing that Christianity was outlawed and those who practiced or promoted it were liable to death. Therefore, he assumed a fictitious name and attempted to spread the faith quietly. However, he was arrested after a few days and imprisoned for a year. Then he was taken to Nagasaki where authorities attempted to make him reject his faith by subjecting him to terrible tortures. However, Guillaume remained steadfast in his faith and eventually, along with other Christians, was beheaded.
Saint Sabas (Sabbas) the Sanctified (439 - 5 December 532) Consider sponsoring Saint Sabas the Sanctified in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Caesarea of Cappadocia (now Turkey), Sabas was five years old when his father, a military commander, journeyed with his wife on military matters and left Sabas in the care of an uncle. When Sabas was eight years old, he entered a nearby
monastery where he quickly learned to read and became an expert on Sacred Scripture. When his parents returned and wanted Sabas to engage in worldly life and marry, he refused. At the age of 17, he was tonsured as a monk and remained ten more years at the monastery before transferring to a monastery in Jerusalem and then to another one nearby that had a strict, hermetical rule of life. About the age of thirty, he received permission to live in a cave and come to the monastery only for divine services and meals. Eventually he received permission to not leave the cave and so lived in solitude for five years. After the abbot directing him died, Sabas moved to a monastery near the Jordan River which consisted of a cluster of hermitages around a church and meal room. His holy, secluded life attracted others and eventually Sabas founded several monasteries to hold the new, young monks. Due to Sabas' prayers, miracles of healing of the sick and possessed took place, and, during a drought, Sabas' monasteries received rain. After being ordained a priest in 491, Sabas was placed in charge of all the abbots in all the monasteries in Palestine. He wrote the first monastic Rule for all the Byzantine monasteries in his jurisdiction.
Saint Andrew of Crete (c 650 - 4 July c 712) Consider sponsoring Saint Andrew of Crete in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in Damascus, Syria, to Christian parents, Andrew was mute until he received Holy Communion at the age of seven. Seven years later, he entered a monastery of hermits in Jerusalem. His superiors quickly noticed Andrew's intellectual and spiritual gifts. The bishop of Jerusalem sent Andrew as his representative to the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-81) which had been convened to counter a heresy of the time. After the Council, he was sent to Constantinople to preside as archdeacon of the church of Hagia Sophia. Eventually he was appointed as bishop in Crete. After briefly embracing unorthodox teachings, Andrew repented and returned to the truth. He then spent the rest of his life preaching and composing hymns, both of which were acclaimed for their dignity and melody. Andrew either introduced or promoted the canon used both during Mass and in the Divine Office, in Eastern Catholic liturgy. Of the 24 canons Andrew supposedly wrote, 14 are certainly his. Primary among these is the Great Canon of Repentance which is the longest canon ever written, consisting of 250 strophes which cover the entire Bible in chronological order.
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Saint Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople (born? - died c 517) Consider sponsoring Saint Macedonius in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Little is known of Macedonius' life prior to his being made patriarch (bishop) of Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) in 495. Forty-four years before Macedonius was consecrated as patriarch, the Council of Chalcedon proclaimed that Christ was truly and fully God and also truly and fully human at the same time. This clear teaching refuted some heresies that were popular at that time. However, while the Council stated the truth regarding Jesus' humanity and divinity, some theologians and others rejected it and continued to teach the heresy. Macedonius was a firm defender of the truth of the Catholic faith, calling a church council to confirm the teachings of the Council of Chalcedon. The emperor, who disagreed, unsuccessfully tried various tactics to change Macedonius' mind. When Macedonius was unwavering in his faith, the emperor hired an assassin whose attempt to kill Macedonius failed. Macedonius forgave the criminal and insisted that a fixed quantity of provisions be given monthly to this man. The emperor did not give up, however, and attempted to sway public opinion by insulting Macedonius and spreading lies about him committing a terrible crime. When this failed, the emperor demanded the original copy of the Council's declaration which Macedonius hid. Therefore, the emperor arrested him and sent him into exile where he died.
Saint Maximus of Turin (c 380 - c 465) Consider sponsoring Saint Maximus of Turin in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in northern Italy, Maximus was drawn to the faith as a youth and proved to be an excellent student who explained Scripture with fervor. Taught by Saint Ambrose of Milan and Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, both respected preachers and authors, Maximus might expectedly be thought to follow their example for he, like them, was a gifted speaker and writer. In addition, his witnessing of the martyrdom of three missionary bishops, now canonized, had a powerful influence on his own faith and steadfastness. By 398, Maximus was bishop of the emerging diocese of Turin. He considered himself the city's guardian, and he had much to guard. While his homilies and gentle love brought many pagans into the Church, Maximus' term was defined by invasions by barbarian tribes. Turin began to fill up with soldiers and refugees seeking protection from war. Maximus tried to inspire the wealthy to use their wealth to help the poor instead of hoarding it for themselves. He castigated those who profited from the war, admonishing them to use their resources to ransom war prisoners. When Saint Patrick, an apostle to Ireland, was returning there after a visit to Rome, Maximus consecrated him first bishop of that island. Maximus wrote his sermons and about 100 are still available. They discuss the saints, current events, church history, the duties of Christians, and Liturgical feasts. Parts of some of these homilies are in the Office of Readings for the Divine Office.
Saint Ælfheah the Bald (Alphege) (? to 12 March 951) Consider sponsoring Saint Ælfheah the Bald in Chapel of 1000 Priests
We know so little about Ælfheah the Bald that he seems to have no art work connected with him. The drawing to illustrate this biography tidbit is from a painting by Rembrandt. We assume he must have been bald, hence the name! Ælfheah the Bald was the first English bishop of Winchester who hold that name. First a Benedictine monk, Ælfheah became bishop of Winchseter in 934 or 935, no doubt because of his sanctity and ability to manage a diocese. Ælfheah had a young relative named Dunstan whom he took into his service and ordained a priest. Dunstan also became a bishop as did Æthelwold, another of Ælfheah's students. Ælfheah worked toward restoring monastic tradition and reform. Following his death, other bishops continued the reforms.
Saint Lupus of Troyes (c 383 - c 478) Consider sponsoring Saint Lupus of Troyes in Chapel of 1000 Priests
The son of a wealthy nobleman whose parents died when he was an infant, Lupus was reared by an uncle. Lupus had a spiritual side but did not enter religious life. Instead, he married, served as a lawyer, and owned and managed several estates. However, the desire for a religious rather than a secular life increased. After six years, Lupus and his wife parted by mutual consent. Lupus then sold his estate, gave the money to the poor, and entered a Cistercian monastery where he stayed about a year until the abbot was named Bishop of Arles. Lupus moved out of the abbey and lived quietly and prayerfully until the bishop of that diocese came to know him and appointed him bishop of Troyes. He eventually accepted the office, although reluctantly. In 429, a Church Council sent Lupus and another bishop to preach against a popular heresy called Pelagianism which taught that humans could, by divine grace, achieve perfection by their own free will. This, of course, overlooked human tendency to sin and Christ's redeeming death. By prayer and peaceful confrontation, Lupus is said to have prevented the barbarian Attila the Hun and his troops from conquering and destroying Troyes.
Saint Flavian of Antioch (c 320 - 404) Consider sponsoring Saint Flavian of Antioch in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Saint Flavian of Antioch defended the Nicene Creed against the Arian heresy. The Nicene Creed, which Catholics pray at Solemn Mass, encapsulates the Catholic faith. The Arians did not believe that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. They thought that he was created by God. The Nicene Creed clearly spelled out the opposite in these words: I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father. This is stating that Jesus was with God from the beginning and was not MADE by God but was begotten by God, of the same nature as God. So what does this mean? When something is begotten, it is of the same kind as the one who begets it (human adults beget human babies). When something is made, it is of a different kind than the creator (God created matter out of nothing; a person can create a work of art or music, or a cake or a garden, but none of these are part of the creator.) The subject of who Christ is and how He relates to God the Father was vital to this time period, and Flavian suffered misunderstanding and opposition for his adherence to the true faith. Eventually, his authority as bishop was confirmed and, by the end of his life, the power of the heresy was weakening.
Saint Oscar Romero (15 August 1917 - 24 March 1980) Consider sponsoring Saint Oscar Romero in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Born in El Salvador, Oscar was a brilliant young man who entered the minor seminary at the age of thirteen. Ordained in 1941, the youngest age permitted, Oscar continued his studies to obtain a doctorate in theology but was summoned by his bishop from Italy, where he was studying. At the age of 26, Oscar returned to El Salvador where he was assigned as a parish priest. For the next twenty years, Oscar was active in many charitable works with the Church and the poor. In 1966, he was chosen Secretary of the Bishop's Conference and also became director of the diocesan newspaper. In 1970, he was ordained a bishop and served in different dioceses until becoming Archbishop of El Salvador in 1977. Less than a month later, a personal priest friend who has been working with the poor was assassinated. His death caused Oscar to become an advocate for the poor and for those treated unjustly. When a revolutionary government came into power in 1979, they targeted Romero for his radio show and his diocesan newspaper that decried the violence against individuals and against the Church. Living a holy, penitential, prayerful life privately, Oscar was spiritually prepared when he was assassinated during Mass
Saint Nicholas of Myra (15 March 270 - 6 December 343) Consider sponsoring Saint Nicholas of Myra in Chapel of 1000 Priests
Very little is actually known about Saint Nicholas. He is said to have been born in what is now Turkey to a wealthy, Greek Christian family. After his parents died, Nicholas distributed their wealth to the poor. He is said to have saved three innocent men from execution, to have secretly distributed dowries to poor maidens so that they could be saved from a life of prostitution and be married, and to have procured, by his prayers, wheat during a famine. He was known to be Bishop of Myra, in Turkey, and was respected for his faith, generosity, and compassion for the needy. He may have attended major Church synods which affirmed the true faith. Many stories and legends grew up around this bishop, all of them showing his merciful nature and his humility in not wanting to be recognized for his good deeds. These became the foundation for the legend of Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) who secretly brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. The feast day of Saint Nicholas, December 6, is celebrated world wide.