Dominican Laity  
Third Order of Saint Dominic  

New England Region 

 

 


 

Calendar of Saints

[Dominican Saints in Bold]

Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

January
[Holy Name of Jesus Commemoration]

1.  Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God                                                     Solemnity
     Octave of Christmas
2.  Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors                   Memorial
3.  Bl.Stephana Quinzani, Sister and Virgin
4.  Elizabeth Ann Seton                                                                             [U.S.A.]

     Bl. Zedislava Berkiana, Lay Dominican and Wife

5.   Bl. John Newman                                                                                 [U.S.A.]
6.   EPIPHANY                                                                                         Solemnity
7.   Raymond of Penyafort, O.P.,priest
Friar, Priest and Master of the Order [M]
8.   Our Lady of Prompt Succor     
9.
10.  Bl. Gonsalvo of Amarante,Friar and Priest

      Bl. Ann of the Angels,  Nun and Virgin

11.  Bl. Bernard Scammacca, Friar and Priest
12.
13.   Hilary, bishop and doctor
14.
15.   St. Paul, first hermit
16.   Our Lady, Queen of all Hermits
17.   St. Anthony of the Desert, abbot                                                         Memorial
18.   St. Margaret of Hungary,Nun and Virgin [M]
19.   Bl. Andrew of Peschiera, Friar and Priest
20.   Fabian, pope and martyr
        Sebastian, martyr
21.   Agnes, virgin and martyr                                                                    Memorial
22.   Vincent,deacon and martyr

        Bl. Anthony della Chiesa, Friar and Priest

23.   Bl. Henry Suso, Friar and Priest
      
Espousals of Mary and Joseph
24.   Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor                                                   Memorial
25.   Conversion of Paul, Apostle                                                                Feast
26.   Timothy and Titus, bishops                                                                Memorial
27.   Angela Merici, virgin

        Bl. Marolino of Forli, Friar and Priest

28.   Thomas Aquinas, priest and Doctor of the Church                 
        [Feast]
29.   Bl. Villana de Botti, Lay Dominican and Wife
30.
31.   John Bosco, priest                                                                            Memorial
Sunday after January 6: Baptism of the Lord                                               Feast   
 

February                               [Top of Page]

1.
2.   Presentation of the Lord [Purification]                                                   Feast
3.   Blase, bishop, martyr and Ansgar,bishop          
      Bl. Peter of Ruffia, Friar,Priest and Martyr
     
Bl. Anthony Pavonio, Friar Priest and Martyr
      Bl. Bartholomew of Cerverio, Friar,                                              
   Priest and Martyr
4.   St. Catherine de Ricci, Sister and Virgin                                        
 Memorial
5.   Agatha, virgin and martyr                                                                     Memorial
6.   Paul Miki and companions, martyrs                                                      Memorial
7.   Anniversary of Deceased Parents of Dominicans                             [Office of the Dead]
8.   Jerome Emiliani
9.
10.  Scholastica,virgin                                                                               Memorial
11.  Our Lady of Lourdes
12   Bl. Reginald of Orleans, Friar and Priest                                         Optional Memorial

13.  Bl Jordan of Saxony Friar, Priest and
Master of the Order              Memorial
14.  Cyril,monk,and Methodius,bishop                                                        Memorial
15.
16.  Bl. Nicholas Paglia, Friar and Priest
17.  Seven Founders of the Order of Servites

18.  Bl John of Fiesola (Fra Angelico),
Friar and Priest                          Optional Memorial
19.  Bl. Alvarez of Cordoba, Friar and Priest
20.  Bl. Christopher of Milan, Friar and Priest
21.  Peter Damian, bishop and doctor
22.  Chair of Peter, Apostle                                                                        Feast
23.  Polycarp,bishop and martyr                                                                 Memorial
24   Bl. Constantius of Fabriano, Friar and Priest
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.                          

March                [Top of Page]

1.
2.
3.   Bl Katherine Drexel [U.S.A.]
4.   Casimir
5.
6.
7.   Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs                                                             Memorial
8.   John of God, religious
9.   Frances of Rome,religious
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.  Patrick,bishop
18.  Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor
19.  JOSEPH HUSBAND OF MARY                                                          Solemnity
20.
21.
22.
23.  Turibius de Mongrovejo,bishop
       Our Lady of Victory
24.
25.  ANNUNCIATION                                                                               Solemnity
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

April                            [Top of Page]

1.   Stigmata of St. Catherine of Siena
2.   Francis of Paola,hermit
3.
4.   Isidore,bishop and doctor
5.   Vincent Ferrer O.P. priest Friar [M]
6.
7.   John Baptist de la Salle,priest                                                           Memorial
8.
9.
10.  Bl. Anthony Neyrot, Friar,Priest, Martyr
11.  Stanislaus,bishop and martyr
12.
13.  Martin I,pope and martyr
      Bl Margaret Castello, Lay Dominican and Virgin
14. Bl. Peter Gonsalez, Friar and Priest
15.
16.
17. Bl. Clara Gambacorta, Nun and Widow

      Bl. Maria Macini, Nun and Widow

18.
19.  Bl. Isnard of Chiampo, Friar and Priest

       Bl. Sibyllina Biscossi, Lay Dominican and Virgin

20.   St.Agnes of Montepuciano, Nun and Virgin
21.  Anslem,bishop and doctor
22.
23.  George,martyr
24.  Fidelis of Sigmaringen,priest and martyr
       Crown of Thorns
25.  MARK,EVANGELIST                                                                      Feast
26.  Our Lady of Good Counsel
27.  Bl. Osanna of Kotor, Lay Dominican and Virgin
28.  Peter Chanel,priest and martyr
       St. Louis de Montfort O.P.
29.  Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor                                        Memorial

       Lay Dominican [Feast]

30.  St.Pius V, Pope Friar and Pope [M]
 
Divine Mercy-first Sunday after Easter


 

May
[Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ]

1.   Joseph the Worker
2.   Athanasius,bishop and doctor                                                         Memorial
3.   Philip and James, Apostles                                                             Feast
      Finding of the Cross
4.   Bl. Emily Bicchieri, Nun and Virgin
5.
6.
7.   Bl. Albert of Bergamo,Lay Dominican and Husband
8.   Patronage of the Blessed Virgin over entire Dominican Family
9.
10. St. Antonius of Florence, Friar and Bishop [M]
11.
12. Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs
      Pancras, martyr

      Bl. Jane of Portugal, Nun, Virgin and Princess

13. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
Bl.  Imelda Lambertini, virgin   
      Patroness of Blessed Sacrament
14. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE                                                                    Feast
15. Isidore

     Bl. Giles of Portugal, Friar and Priest
     Bl. Andrew Abellon, Friar and Priest

16.
17.
18.  John I, Pope and Martyr
19.  Bl. Francis Coll Guitart, Friar and Priest
20.  Bernadine of Siena, Priest
21.  Bl. Columba of Rieti, Sister and Virgin
22.
23.
24.  Translation of Our Holy Father St. Dominic [M]
25.  Venerable Bede, Priest and Doctor
      Gregory VII, Pope
       Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Virgin
26.  Philip Neri, Priest
27.  Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop

      Bl. Andrew Franchi, Friar and Bishop

28.  Bl. Mary Bartholomew Bagnesi,Lay Dominican, Vir
29.  Bl. William Arnaud, Friar and Priest,Companions
30.  Bl. James Salomonio, Friar and Priest
31.  VISITATION                                                                                   Feast
       Mediatrix of All Grace

First Sunday aft Pentecost: HOLY TRINITY                                             Solemnity
Thurs after Holy Trinity: CORPUS CHRISTI                                              Solemnity
Friday following Second Sunday after Pentecost
           SACRED HEART                                                                       Solemnity
Sat. fol.Sec Sunday aft Pentecost-Immaculate Heart
Monday after Pentecost - Mary Mother of the Church
Saturday after Ascension    Mary Queen of Apostles

 

        June

1.  Justin, martyr                                                                                   Memorial
2.  Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs

     Bl. Sadoc,Friar Priest and Companions,Martyrs

3.  Charles Lwanga and companions,martyrs                                           Memorial
4.  St. Peter of Verona, Friar Priest and Martyr [M]
5.  Boniface,bishop and martyr                                                               Memorial
6.  Norbert,bishop
7.
8.   Bl. Diana & Bl. Cecilia,Nuns and Virgins [OM]
9.   Ephrem,deacon and doctor
10  Bl. John Dominic, Friar and Bishop [OM]
11.  Barnabas,apostle    Memorial
12.  Bl. Stephen Bandelli, Friar and Priest
13.  Anthony of Padua,priest and doctor                                                 Memorial
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.  Bl. Osanna of Mantua, Lay Dominican and Virgin
19.  Romuald, abbot
20.  Bl. Margaret Ebner, Nun and Virgin
21.  Aloysius Gonzaga, religious                                                            Memorial
22.  Paulinus of Nola,bishop
      John Fisher,bishop and martyr
      Thomas More, martyr
23.  Bl. Innocent V, Friar and Pope
24.  BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST                                                      Solemnity
25.
26.
27.  Cyril of Alexandria,bishop and doctor
       Our Lady of Perpetual Help
28.  Irenaeus,bishop and martyr                                                             Memorial
29.  PETER AND PAUL,APOSTLES                                                      Solemnity
30.  First Martyrs of the Church of Rome            

        July

 1.  Bl. Junipero Serra                                                                            [U.S.A.]
      Precious Blood
2.   Visitation of Mary
3.   Thomas, apostle                                                                              Feast
4.   Elizabeth of Portugal
5.   Anthony Zaccaria, priest
6.   Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr
7.   Bl. Benedict XI, Friar and Pope
8.   Bl. Adrian Fortescue,Lay Dom.,Husband Martyr
9.   St. John of Cologne,Friar,priest/comp., martyrs
10.
11.  Benedict, abbot                                                                              Memorial
12.  Those buried in our cemeteries
13.  Henry

       Bl. James of Varazze,Friar and Bishop

14.  Camillus de Lellis, priest
15.  Bonaventure, bishop and doctor                                                      Memorial
16.  Our Lady of Mount Carmel
17.  Bl. Ceslaus of Poland,Friar and priest [OM]
18.
19.
20.
21.  Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and doctor
       Our Lady of Kazan
22.  Mary Magdalene                                                                        Memorial
23.  Bridget, religious
24.  Bl. Jane of Orvieto, Lay Domionican and Virgin

       Bl. Augustine of Biella, Friar and Priest

25.  James, apostle Feast
26.  Joachim and Ann, parents of Mary                                                 Memorial
27.
28.
29.  Martha                                                                                        Memorial
30.  Peter Chrysologus, bishop and doctor
31.  Ignatius of Loyola, priest                                                               Memorial
 

      August

1.   Alphonsus Liguori,bishop and doctor                                              Memorial
2.   Eusebius of Vercelli,bishop

      Bl.Jane of Aza,Mother of Dominic and Bl.Mannes[OM]

      Our lady of the Angels
3.   Bl. Augustine Kazotic, friar and Bishop
4.   John Vianney,priest                                                                     Memorial
5.   Dedication of St. Mary Major
      Our Lady of the Snows
6.   Transfiguration                                                                             Feast
7.   Sixtus II,pope and martyr and companions,martyrs
      Cajetan, priest
8.   St. Dominic,priest    [Solemnity]                                               Memorial
9.   Bl. John of Salerno, Friar and Priest [M]
10.  Lawrence,deacon and martyr                                                       Feast
11.  Clare, virgin                                                                                Memorial
12.
13.  Pontian,pope and martyr, and Hippolytus priest and martyr
       Dormition of Mary
14.  St. Maximillian Kolbe,priest and martyr

       Bl. Aimo Taparelli, Friar and Priest

15.  Assumption of Mary                                                               Solemnity
16.  Stephen of Hungary
17.  St. Hyacinth of Poland, Friar and Priest [M]
18.  Bl. Mannes,Friar, Brother of St. Dominic [OM]
19.  John Eudes, priest

       Bl. Jordan of Pisa, Friar and Priest

20.  Bernard, abbot and doctor                                                          Memorial
21.  Pius X, pope Memorial
       Our Lady of Knock
22.  Queenship of Mary                                                                    Memorial
23.  Rose of Lima, virgin, Lay Dominican [M]
24.  Bartholomew, apostle                                                                Feast
25.  Louis
      Joseph Calasanz, priest
26.  Bl. James of Bevagna, Friar and Priest
     
OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA
27.  Monica                                                                                     Memorial
28.  Augustine,bishop and doctor  [F]                                            Memorial
29.  Beheading of John the Baptist,martyr                                          Memorial
30.
31.
 

   September

1.
2.   Bl. Guala of Bergamo, Friar and Bishop
3.   Gregory the Great,pope and doctor                                         Memorial
4.   Mary Queen of Angels

      Bl. Catherine Racconigi,Lay Dominican and Virgin

5.   Anniv of Deceased Friends and Benefactors
                       [Office of the Dead]
6.   Bl. Bertrand of Garrigue,Friar and Priest
7.
8.   Birth of Mary                                                                          Feast
9.   Peter Claver    [U.S.A.]
10.
11.
12.  NAME OF MARY
13.  John Chrysostom,bishop and doctor                                         Memorial
14.  Triumph of the Cross                                                               Feast
15.  Our Lady of Sorrows                                                                Memorial
16.  Cornelius, pope and martyr
      Cyprian, bishop and martyr                                                       Memorial
17.  Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor
18.  St. Juan Macias,Friar and Religious [M]
19.  Januarius, bishop and martyr
      Our Lady of LaSalette
20.  Stigmatas of St. Francis and Padre Pio

      Bl. Mark of Modena, Friar and Priest
      Bl. Francis Posadas, Friar and Priest

21. Matthew, apostle and evangelist                                                Feast
22.
23.
24.  Our Lady of Ransom

       Bl. Dalmatius Moner, Friar and Priest

25.
26.  Cosmas and Damien, martyrs
27.  Vincent de Paul, priest                                                            Memorial
28.  Wenceslaus, martyr

       Bl. Lawrence of Ripafratta, Friar and Priest
       Sts Dominic Ibanez,Jame Tomuaga & Lorenzo Ruiz  Companions and Martyrs

29.  Michael, Gabriel and Raphael Archangels                                 Feast
30.  Jerome, priest and doctor
31.

 

     October

1.   Theresa of the Child Jesus, virgin                                              Memorial
2.   Guardian Angels                                                                      Memorial
3.   Bl. Dominic Spadafora, Friar and Priest
4.   Francis of Assisi      [Feast]                                                    Memorial
5.   Bl. Raymond of Capua,Friar,Priest and Master [OM]
6.   Bruno, priest
      Bl. Bartolo Longo, Lay Dominican
7.   Our Lady of the Rosary   [Lepanto] [F]                                  Memorial
8.   Bl. Ambrose Sansedoni, Friar and Priest
9.   Denis, bishop and martyr and companions 
      John Leonardi, priest

      St. Louis Bertrand, Friar and Priest [M]

10.
11.  Maternity of Mary

      Bl. James of Ulm, Friar and Religious

12.
13.  Bl. Magdalen Pannatieri, Lay Dominican, Virgin
14.  Callistus I, pope and martyr
15.  Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor                                              Memorial
16.  Hedwig, religious
       Margaret Mary Alocoque, virgin
17.  Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr                                      Memorial
18.  Luke, evangelist       Feast
19.  Isaac Joques, John de Brebeuf, priests, martyrs
       Paul of the Cross, priest
20.
21.  Bl. Peter of Citta di Castello, Friar, Priest
22.  Dedication of YOUR church if dedication unknown

      
Our Lady of Kazan

23.  John of Capistrano, priest
24.  Anthony Claret, bishop
25.  Bl. Peter of Geremia, Friar and Priest
26.  Bl. Damien of Finale, Friar and Priest
27.  Bl. Batholomew of Vincenza, Friar and Bishop
28.  Simon and Jude, apostles                                                       Feast
29.
30.  Bl. Benvenuta Bojani, Lay Dominican and Virgin
31.
 

    November

1.   ALL SAINTS                                                                           Solemnity
2.   ALL SOULS
3.   Martin de Porres, religious    [F]
4.   Charles Borromeo, bishop                                                        Memorial
5.   Bl. Simon Ballachi, Friar and Religious
6.   Bl. Ignatius Delgado, Friar and Bishop

      Bl. Francis, Bl. Alphonsus,comp Martyrs Orient

7.   All Saints of the Order  [Office of the Dead]
8.   Ann.of dec'd Brothers & Sisters                                             [Office of Dead]
9.   Dedication of John Lateran Feast
10.  Leo the Great, pope and doctor                                                Memorial
11.  Martin of Tours, bishop                                                            Memorial
12.  Josaphat, bishop and martyr                                                    Memorial
13.  Francis Xavier Cabrini                                                              [U.S.A.]
       Patronage of St. Thomas Aquinas over Catholic Schools
14.  Bl. John Liccio, Friar and Priest
15.  Albert the Great, bishop and doctor   [F]
16.  Margaret of Scotland
      Gertrude, virgin
17.  Elizabeth of Hungary, religious                                                 Memorial
18.  Dedication of Churches Sts Peter and Paul
       St. Rose Phillipino Deschene
19.   Bl. James Benefatti, Friar and Bishop
     
 Our Lady of Good Tidings
20.
21.  Presentation of Mary                                                               Memorial
22.  Cecilia, virgin and martyr                                                          Memorial
23.  Clement I, pope and martyr
       Columban, abbot
24.   Bl. Margaret of Savoy, Nun and Widow
25.
26.
27.  Miraculous Medal
28.
29.
30.  Andrew, Apostle                                                                      Feast
31.
 Last Sunday in Ordinary Time
     Christ the King   Solemnity
 

December

1.  Bl. John of Vercelli, Friar, Priest and Master
2.
3.  Francis Xavier, priest                                                                  Memorial
4.  John Damascene, priest and doctor     
5.
6.  Nicolas, bishop
7.  Ambrose, bishop and doctor                                                       Memorial
8.  IMMACULATE CONCEPTION                                                     Solemnity
9.
10. Our Lady of Loretto
11. Damasus I, pope
      Expectation of Mary
12. Jane Frances Chantal, religious
      Our Lady of Guadalupe
13.  Lucy, virgin and martyr                                                             Memorial
14.  John of the Cross, priest and doctor                                          Memorial
15.
16.  Bl. Sebastian Maggi, Friar and Priest
17.
18.  Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
19.
20.
21.  Peter Canisius, priest and doctor
22.  Anniversary of the Approval of The Order
23.  John of Kanty, priest
24.
25.  CHRISTMAS                                                                            Solemnity
26.  Stephen, first martyr                                                                 Feast
27.  Holy Innocents, martyrs                                                            Feast
28.  John, apostle and evangelist                                                      Feast
29.  Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
30.
31.  Sylvester I, pope
 

  Sunday within octave of Christmas or Dec 30
  Holy Family Feast

JANUARY 3 - THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS COMMEMORATION				[Top of Page]
In the revised Roman Calendar, the conferral of the Holy Name of Jesus is recalled on January 1, the
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. [CR, n.35] However, a separate votive Mass under this title is
found in the revised Roman Missal, and may be used for an annual celebration (e.g. titular of a Church)
or as an expression of devotion which is part of the tradition and spirituality of the Order. While
January 3 is suggested for this votive Mass and Office, they may be celebrated on any day which is not
impeded by another celebration.
From the Votive Office of the Holy Name of Jesus (in a separate booklet.)
JANUARY 3 - Blessed Stephana Quinzani SISTER AND VIRGIN			[Top of Page]
Blessed Stephana was born in 1457 near Brescia, Italy. She was particularly devoted to the Passion of our Lord and
bore the marks of his stigmata. At the same time she experienced spiritual aridity as well as doubts and
temptations. She founded a convent at Socino where she and her sisters led a regular life. Well-known for her
service to the poor, she died at Socino on January 2, 1530.
JANUARY 4 - Saint Zedislava Berkiana LAY DOMINICAN AND WIFE			[Top of Page]
Saint Zedislava was born in Moravia around the year 1220. As a wife and mother she provided well for-her own
family and was also known as a loving mother of the poor. She received the Dominican habit and together with her
husband helped to build up the Order in Bohemia. Renowned for her service to the poor, she died in 1252.

JANUARY 7 - Saint Raymond of Peņafort FRIAR, PRIEST AND MASTER OF THE ORDER - MEMORIAL
Born at Peņafort in Catalonia around the year 1175, Saint Raymond was a priest of the church of Barcelona. He
became a distinguished theologian and professor of canon law at the University of Bologna and while there joined
the Order in 1222. During his own lifetime he was known for his Summa which he composed as an aid for
confessors. Upon the order of Gregory IX he compiled the Decretals which remained in use until the present
century. Elected third Master of the Order (1238-1240) Raymond served his brothers faithfully. He encouraged the
friars to engage in dialogue with Moslems and Jews, established a school for the study of Arabic languages and the
Koran and aided the friars of Our Lady of Mercy in their work in northern Africa. He died in Barcelona on January 6,
1275.
JANUARY 10 - Blessed Gonsalvo of Amarante, FRIAR AND PRIEST			[Top of Page]
Born around 1187 in the diocese of Braga, Portugal, Blessed Gonsalvo became a parish priest. After spending
fourteen years travelling about the Holy Land and the sanctuaries of Rome, he took up the eremitical life. Eventually
he was inspired to enter the Dominican Order. After his introduction to religious life he obtained permission to return
with a companion to Amarante, the scene of his earlier solitude, and there took up the life of a hermit once again.
He spent his time in contemplation, ascetical practices and in catechising the people of the area. He died at
Amarante in 1259.

JANUARY 10 - Blessed Ann of the Angels Monteagudo, NUN AND VIRGIN		[Top of Page]
Blessed Ann was born in Arequipa, Peru, in the year 1602 and in 1619 professed solemn vows in the monastery of
St. Catherine of Siena. There she fulfilled the offices of sacristan, mistress of novices and prioress. She was
completely taken up in prayer with God, yet did not neglect the needs of her neighbours. She died in Arequipa on
January 10, 1686.

JANUARY 11 - Blessed Bernard Scammacca, FRIAR AND PRIEST			[Top of Page]
Blessed Bernard was born in Sicily in the year 1430. As a young man he suffered a serious leg wound which
became the means of his conversion from a life of dissipation. He entered the Order in 1452 and strove to conform
himself to Christ crucified through works of charity, acts of penance and contemplation of the Passion. Bernard was
especially known for his care of the sick and the poor and he established a hospital to serve them. He promoted the
regular life in the Order and was a gifted preacher. He died on January 11, 1487.

JANUARY 18 - Saint Margaret of Hungary, NUN AND VIRGIN. MEMORIAL, For the Nuns of the Order: FEAST
Margaret was born in 1242, the daughter of Bela IV, King of Hungary, and Maria Lascaris, daughter of the emperor
of Constantinople. Before her birth her parents had vowed to dedicate their child to God if Hungary would be
victorious over the invading Tartars. Their prayers were answered, and so, when almost four years old, Margaret
was placed in the Dominican monastery of Veszprim. At the age of twelve she moved to a new monastery built by
her father near Buda and there made profession into the hands of Humbert of Romans. Margaret lived a life totally
dedicated to Christ crucified and inspired her sisters by her asceticism, her works of mercy, her pursuit of peace, and
her humble service. She had a special love for the Eucharist and the Passion of Christ and showed a special
devotion to the Holy Spirit and Our Lady. She died on January 18, 1270.

JANUARY 19 - Blessed Andrew of Peschiera, FRIAR AND PRIEST			[Top of Page]
Blessed Andrew was born at Peschiera, Italy in 1400 and entered the Order in a reformed priory of the Congregation
of Lombardy. Itinerant. preaching was his life's ministry, especially in the Valtelline region of the Italian Alps where
he laboured for forty-five years. Travelling on foot and living with the poor, he reconciled many to Christ. He died at
the priory of Morbegno on January 18, 1485.
JANUARY 22 - Blessed Anthony Della Chiesa, FRIAR AND PRIEST			[Top of Page]
A member of the noble Della Chiesa family, Blessed Anthony was born at San Germano, Italy, in 1394 and received
the Dominican habit at Vercelli in 1417. He served as prior in several convents of the Order and laboured to restore
the regular life. He was known for his gentle, yet firm treatment of human frailty. He died on January 22, 1459.
In Australia
JANUARY 23 - Blessed Henry Suso, FRIAR AND PRIEST				[Top of Page]
Blessed Henry Suso was born in Constance-Swabia, Germany, towards the end of the thirteen century and is
associated with Meister Eckhart and John Tauler in the school of Dominican spirituality know as the "Rhineland
Mystics." He pursued Divine Wisdom and manifested a great love for the Passion of the Lord. In his writings he
taught detachment from all sensible reality and union with God through the contemplation of the perfections and
sufferings of Christ. He died in Ulm on January 25, 1366.

JANUARY 27 - Blessed Marcolino of Forli, FRIAR AND PRIEST			[Top of Page]
Blessed Marcolino was born in Forli, Italy, in 1317 and entered the Dominican Order as a youth. He loved silence
and solitude and was noted for his devotion to the Virgin Mother of God. He supported the reform efforts of
Raymond of Capua, faithfully carried out his priestly ministry and performed works of charity. He was a counsellor
for many, especially of the sick. He died on January 24, 1397.

JANUARY 28 - Saint Thomas Aquinas, FRIAR, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, FEAST
Saint Thomas, a member of the noble family of Aquino, was born in the castle of Rocca Sicca in 1225 
and spent his early years at the Abbey of Monte Cassino, Against his family's wishes he entered the Order 
of Preachers at Naples (1244) and was sent to Cologne to complete his studies under the direction of Saint
Albert the Great. He devoted all his energy to the service of truth, eagerlysearching it out, lovingly contemplating 
it, and imparting it to others through hiswriting, his teaching and his preaching. His life was marked by devotion to the
Passion of the Lord, to the mystery of the Eucharist, and to the Virgin Mary,Mother of God. Because of his fidelity 
to regular life, his love of truth, and hispiety, the Order recognises him as a model for its own pursuit of truth. 
He died at Fossanova on March 7, 1274,while on his way to the Council of Lyons. He was declared Patron of all 
Universities and Catholic Schools by LeoXIII. This date recalls the translation of his remains to Toulouse.

JANUARY 29 - Blessed Villana de' Botti, LAY DOMINICAN AND WIFE			[Top of Page]
Blessed Villana, the daughter of a rich merchant, was born at Florence in 1332. She married the wealthy Pietro
Benitendo and together with her husband lived a worldly life which their wealth sustained. Realising the emptiness
of her life, Villana went to the friars of Santa Maria Novella to confess her sins and ask for the habit of the sisters of
Penance of St. Dominic. She took up the study of scripture and the contemplation of Christ crucified and drew other
women to follow her example. She died on January 29, 1361.

February 3 - Blessed Peter of Ruffia, FRIAR, PRIEST AND MARTYR                                      [Top of Page]
Blessed Peter was born at Ruffia,  taly, around 1320. He entered the Order at an early age and was known  or his personal austerity, his sound doctrine and his spirit of selfdenial. He was appointed Inquisitor- eneral  f Piedmont in 1351 to deal with the Waldensians. He was martyred by some of this sect at Susa on  ebruary 2, 1365. 

FEBRUARY 3 - Blessed Anthony of Pavonio, FRIAR, PRIEST AND MARTYR                           [Top of Page]
Blessed Anthony was born at Savigliano, Italy, about 1326 and entered the Order at  n early age. Upon the  artyrdom of Blessed Peter of Ruffia, Anthony was appointed to succeed him as Inquisitor General by Urban  . His prayer and practice of virtue sustained him in this ministry. He was himself martyred for the faith on  pril 9, 1374.

FEBRUARY 3 - Blessed Bartholomew of Cerverio, FRIAR, PRIEST AND MARTYR                 [Top of Page]
Blessed Bartholomew was born at Savigliano, Italy, about 1420. He pursued theological studies and  ecame   Master of Theology in the faculty of Turin. His theological expertise and his apostolic zeal led to his  ppointment as Inquisitor- General in Piedmont. Blessed Bartholomew worked untiringly to defend the true faith and for his efforts received the crown or martyrdom on April 21, 1466.

FEBRUARY 4 - Saint Catherine de' Ricci, SISTER AND VIRGIN, MEMORIAL                         [Top of Page]
Alessandra de' Ricci was born of a noble family near Florence in 1522. At the age of twelve she entered the  ominican convent of St. Vincent at Prato and took the religious name Catherine. Inspired by Girolamo  avonarola she worked constantly to promote the regular life. She was favoured with extraordinary mystical  xperiences and at the age of twenty began to experience the sacred stigmata and weekly ecstasies of the  assion. These phenomena continued for twenty years. Despite her intense mystical life of prayer and her  enance, Catherine served as prioress of the convent for thirty-six years. She was noted as a kind and  onsiderate superior, particularly gentle with the sick. She died on February 2, 1590.

FEBRUARY 7 - Anniversary of Deceased Parents,                                                                 [Top of Page]
In this celebration we remember our parents who have  receded us with the sign of faith and rest in peace. The Dominican Family joins together to honour our deceased parents with the same affection we showed them in life, for in Christ they gave us birth and from the crib they showed us what it means to be followers of Christ. Suffrages for the Anniversary are made  nly at Mass. However, any community, keeping in mind the general norms of the Liturgy of the Hours, may celebrate the Anniversary in a manner deemed more appropriate.

FEBRUARY 12 - Blessed Reginald of Orleans, FRIAR AND PRIEST, OPTIONAL MEMORIAL
Blessed Reginald was born near Orleans about the year 1180. He became a doctor of law and taught at Paris. On his way to visit the Holy Land he stopped at Rome where he was captivated by Saint Dominic and the ideal of his Order. While there he fell dangerously ill, but was healed through the intervention of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He then received the habit from Saint Dominic, the very habit which Our Lady had shown him. His example and eloquent preaching attracted many young men to the Order, first at Bologna and then at Paris.  e died at Paris in 1220 and was buried at Notre Dame des Champs.

FEBRUARY 13 - Blessed Jordan of Saxony, FRIAR, PRIEST AND MASTER OF THE ORDER, MEMORIAL Blessed Jordan was born at Burgberg, Westphalia, around the year 1185. While studying in  aris he was attracted to the Order by Blessed Reginald and received the habit from him in 1220. On the  eath of Saint Dominic the friars elected him Master of the Order. For fifteen years he ministered to his  rothers and sisters by his preaching, his letters, his edition of the Constitutions, his frequent visitations and  he example of his life. More than one thousand novices were attracted to the Order during the tenure of his  ffice. He directed Blessed Diana and her community in the way of perfection and governed all his subjects  ith gentleness and kindness. His love for Mary, the Mother of God, expressed itself by his decree that the  alve Regina was to be sung after compline. Blessed Jordan was shipwrecked and drowned on February 13, 1237.

FEBRUARY 16 - Blessed Nicholas of Paglia, FRIAR AND PRIEST                                       [Top of Page]
Blessed Nicholas was born at  iovinazzo, near Bari, Italy, in 1197. While pursuing studies at Bologna, he was drawn to the Order by a  ermon of Saint Dominic who personally gave him the habit and made him one of his travelling  ompanions.  e was well-known for his preaching throughout the Roman Province and compiled a concordance of sacred  cripture. He died at Perugia in 1256.

FEBRUARY 18 - Blessed John of Fiesole (Fra Angelico), FRIAR AND PRIEST, OPTIONAL MEMORIAL
(In Lent: AS A COMMEMORATION) Guido of Vicchio was born in the region of Tuscany  n 1386 or 1387 and studied art in Florence while still a young man. Feeling drawn to religious life he  ntered the Order at the convent of San Domenico in Fiesole. This convent had recently been established as   house of regular observance by Blessed John Dominic whose name he took when he entered. He served as  uperior of San Domenico, promoted regular observance and handed on the fruits of his contemplation  hrough his paintings for the altars at Fiesole and for the convent of San Marco in Florence. He was called to Rome by Pope Eugene IV to decorate two chapels, one in the Basilica of St. Peter and one in the Vatican.  ope Nicholas V also commissioned him to decorate his private chapel at the Vatican. His work is also found in the convent of San Domenico in Cortona and the cathedral at Orvieto. Pope Eugene IV wished to  ppoint him archbishop of Florence, but he declined in favour of Saint Antoninus. On February 18, 1455, he  ied in Rome at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and was buried there. The special quality of his painting earned  im the title "Fra Angelico."

FEBRUARY 19 - Blessed Alvarez of Cordoba, FRIAR AND PRIEST                                  [Top of Page]
Born at Zamora, Spain, towards the  iddle of the fourteenth century, Blessed Alvarez entered the Order in 1368. He preached throughout Spain  nd Italy and established the priory of Scala Caeli at Cordova where he promoted the regular life. By his preaching and contemplation of the Lord's Passion he spread the practice of the Way of the Cross  hroughout the West. He died on February 19, about the year 1430.

FEBRUARY 20 - Blessed Christopher of Milan, FRIAR AND PRIEST                                   [Top of Page]
Blessed Christopher was born at Milan around 1410. He dedicated his whole life to itinerant preaching after the example of Saint Vincent  errer. The austerity of his life and his zeal for souls led an ancient chronicler to say of him: "He was truly a  hristbearer, for he carried Christ not only in name, but in his heart and on his lips." While master of novices  e wrote a treatise On the Service of God for them. He died at Taggia in March, 1484.

FEBRUARY 24 - Blessed Constantius of Fabriano, FRIAR AND PRIEST                         [Top of Page]
Born at Fabriano at the  eginning of the fifteenth century, Blessed Constantius received the Dominican habit at the age of fifteen. He was noted for his austere and prayerful life, as well as his efforts in promoting peace. As prior at  abriano, at Perugia, and at Ascoli he laboured to restore regular life. He died at Ascoli on February 24, 1481.

 
 
 

August 21 - Our Lady of Knock                                                                        [Top of Page]

On the evening of August 21, 1879 Mary McLoughlin, the housekeeper to the parish priest of Knock, County Mayo, ireland, was astonished to see the outside south wall of the church bathed in a mysterious light; there were three figures standing in front of the wall, which she mistook for replacements of the stone figures destroyed in a storm. She rushed through the rain to her friend Margaret Byrne's house.

After a half hour Mary decided to leave and Margaret's sister Mary agreed to walk home with her. As they passed the church they saw and amazing vision very clearly: Standing out from the gable and to the west of it appeared the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. John. The figure of the Blessed Virgin was life-size, while the others seemed to be neither as large nor as tall. They stood a little away from the gable wall about two feet from the ground. The Virgin was erect with her eyes toward Heaven, and she was wearing a large white cloak hanging in full folds; on her head was a large crown.

Mary Byrne ran to tell her family while Mary McLoughlin gazed at the apparition.  Soon a crowd gathered and all saw the apparition. The parish priest, Archdeacon Cavanaugh, did not come out, however, and his absence was a disappointment to the devout villagers. Among the witnesses were Patrick Hill and John Curry. As Patrick later described the scene: 'The figures were fully rounded, as if they had a body and life. They did not speak but, as we drew near, they retreated a little towards the wall.' Patrick reported that he got close enough to make out the words in the book held by the figure of St. John.

An old woman named Bridget trench drew closer to embrace the feet of the Virgin, but the figure seemed always beyond reach. Others out in the fields and some distance away saw a strange light around the church. The vision lasted for about three hours and then faded.

The next day a group of villagers went to see the priest, who accepted the their report as genuine; he wrote to the diocesan Bishop of Tuam; then the Church set up a commission to interview a number of the people claiming to witness the apparition. The diocesan hierarchy was not convinced, and some members of the commission ridiculed the visionaries, alleging they were victims of a hoax perpetrated by the local Protestant constable! But the ordinary people were not so skeptical, and the first pilgrimages to knock began in 1880. Two years later Archbishop John Joseph Lynch of Toronto made a visit to the parish and claimed he had been healed by the Virgin of Knock. 

In due course many of the witnesses died. But Mary Byrne married, raised six children, living her entire life in Knock. When interviewed again in 1963 at the age of eighty-six, her account did not vary from the first report she gave in 1879.

The village of Knock was transformed by the thousands who came to commemorate the vision and to ask for healing for others and themselves. The local church was too small to accommodate the crowds. In 1976 a new church, Our Lady Queen of Ireland, was erected. It holds more than two thousand and needs to, for each year more than a half million visitors arrive to pay their respects to the Blessed Virgin.

The Church approved the the apparition in 1971 as being quite probable, although it has never been formally stated. The Shrine at Knock is opened year round. In 1994 three life-sized statues were erected of Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John

 

 

August 26 - OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA                                                 [Top of Page]

Many cultists think that the "Black Madonna" is really black. However, it is a painting of the Jewish Mother of Jesus. People living in the Holy Lands have darker skin than those living in the North. This is because of the harsh climate and hot sun.

 

    Over the centuries, this painting has become even darker:

     

  • The faithful burned candles in front of the sacred picture. Anyone who has a fireplace knows what smoke can do to your fireplace brick, and how difficult it is to remove.
  • People have kissed the image of the Virgin Mary during prayer. Proteins from the human body also age with time and turn darker.
  • Dust, smoke, and acid rains all do their destruction. If you do not believe this look at the destruction of priceless art in Rome, Italy, where many art pieces have had to be restored again and again.
. We know that the "Black Madonna of Czestochowa" has been restored:
  • In 1430, during the Jagiello reign.
  • In 1682, during the reign of King Jan Sobieski.
  • From 1925-1926, by Professor Rutkowski.

The history, traditions, and miracles of Czestochowa are part of the heritage of the Polish people. Upon this page, we will explore its impact on Eastern Europe.

Up to the 1300's, there is not much written about the origin and early history of this famous painting of the Virgin Mother and Child. Church traditions state that the painting (Mary sat for the portrait) was done on a wooden (cypress) table top, from a table made by Jesus Christ. After his death on the cross, The Blessed Mother, Mary, took this table to the home of Saint John, who was her guardian. The painting was made by Saint Luke, and was hid in the Catacombs of Jerusalem for three hundred (300) years.

Here is the sequence of events:

In the year, 326, Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great (first Christian Emperor of Rome), wanted to locate the relic (Our Lady) and the true cross. Even though she was getting old, it is said that she went to Jerusalem, and with God's help, she found it.

She proceeded to give it to her son. Constantine built a church at Constantinople and dedicated this church to the Blessed Mother, and the painting was housed here from many years. Constantine's city was called New Rome and it chose the Mother of God as their patroness.

The painting became famous. When the Saracens besieged the city, the painting was carried through the streets in a solemn processional by the nobles and officials, and the Saracens fled. It was thought that they already considered this painting to have strength, because of its reputation for miracles.

The painting survived the reign of Emperor Izauryn, who wanted all holy objects and relics burned. At this time, the painting was hidden in the Emperor's own palace, by his own wife, Irene. Irene gave the Holy Image to Pulcheria and Pulcheria passed it down through her descendants, The painting was in Constantinople for five hundred years (500).

 

In the reign of King Sigmund August, a man named Nichols Lanchoronski (his ambassador) investigated the origin and history of the painting, which was then housed at Czestochowa. Lanchorinski had documentation that the legend was true. However, today these documents are lost.

The painting went from Constantinople into Russia; then to Halicia; and finally the castle of Belzki/Belz. Royalty from the East married daughters of these countries and their dowry was this sacred painting, a gift from the Byzantium Empire to a Ruthenian noblemen.

    Russian autocrats who married Polish royalty:
  1. Mary Dobrogniewa, the sister of Jaroslaw, was the wife of Casimir I (1016-1058), King of Poland (r. 1040-1058).
  2. Wislawa, a Russian, was the wife of Boleslaus II
  3. Boleslaus II, son of Casimir I, married Zdislawa
  4. Boleslaus IV took Anatazza, and his second wife was Helena.
  5. Miecislaus III married Eudoxia
  6. Leszek, the White, married Grzymislawa
  7. Leszek, the Black, married Gryfina.

All the above were Russian princesses.

The Opolsey princes were also related to the Polish kings. For example,Ladislaus was an Opolski prince (later Louis, King of Poland and Hungary).

Casimir the Great (in 1352), made the Ukraine part of the Kingdom of Poland (1370-1382). Louis was crowned after his death, in 1390.

Ladislaus of Hungary, who also became "King," captured all the castles of the Russian lords, including Castle Belzki (where the painting had been for five hundred (500) years.

When the Jasna Gora Monastery was founded, when the Paulites were granted a small timber church. Then in 1430, they built a larger brick church, which was completed before the middle of the 15th century. Father Izydor Lesczcynski painted scenes showing the life of Mary and Jesus and the miracles performed at Jasna Gora, while side altars were painted by Father Felicjan Ratynski. The walls of the basillica were re-vaulted between 1692 and 1695.

In 1382, when the Tartars attacked the castle, an arrow entered the chapel where the painting hung, and made a scar on the throat of the Virgin.

Ladislaw wanted to take the painting to Opala, his birthplace, located in upper Silesia. He thought he could guard the painting from further damage. On the road to Opala, he stopped at Czestochowa. He placed the painting in a wooden parish church there. This church was under the patronage of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother. When Ladislaus attempted to continue his journey, with the portrait on his wagon, the horses could not move it. Ladislaus then decided that the painting should remain in Czestochowa on Jasna Gora (bright hill). Klasztor Paulinow (the Paulite Monastery) is on top of Jasna Gora. This monastery resembled a Baroque fortress, and was founded in 1382 by Duke Wladyslaw Opolczk. The portrait was left there in the Church of the Assumption. This event occured on August 26, 1382, which was the Wednesday after the feast of St. Bartholomew, which is today called the Feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Ladislaus/Wladyslaw ordered the erection of Jasna Gora as a convent, church, and cloister. The Pauline Fathers from the Convent of Nosztre, Hungary were entrusted to care for this portrait.

In 1382, the recorded history of this painting begins. In 1430, the Hussites made two scars on the Virgin's face. An artist tried to cover these scars, but they continued to reappear. In 1655, the monastery held out against the Swedish Army; in 1685, it was the Turks; and in 1920, it was the Bolsheviks. The portrait had three dresses: One of previous jewels; the other was beaded in rich colors; while another was of pearls.

In 1909, the gold crown and the pearl dress of Constanty Sobieski, the king's son, were stolen. Then they made a silver dress. Every Holy Thursday these dresses were changed. The present crown of gold, decorated with jewels; was a gift from Pope Pious X. The first crown was given by Pope Clement XI, in 1717 (this was the crown stolen in 1901).

In 1717, a ceremony was performed by Bishop Jan Krystof Szembek, as the first official cornation of the painting. On this day, one-hundred, forty eight thousand (148,000) received the Holy Eucharist. In 1910, a second cornation took place with the Bishop of Wlaclaw, Stanislaus Zdzitowiecki.

Since this painting is Jewish, in origin, Mary has Jewish features and it has been darkened (over the centuries) by candle smoke and body lanolin from people's lips (kissing it).

In 1925, the Pauline Fathers restored the painting (from November 1925 to March 1926), and replaced it upon the altar. The first time it was renovated was in 1430, during the reign of Jagiello, and the second time was in 1682, during the reign of King John Sobieski.

After the 1925 restoration, the dresses were never put directly on the painting, from that point on there was always a protective device between the painting and the dresses.

MIRACLES ATTRIBUTED TO OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA:

In tradition, many knights never went into battle without a medal of Our Lady hanging around their neck. Andrew Jezowski was the name of one such knight. In 1677, he was doing battle against the Tartars and Turks (with 1,500 men), at the battle of Wojnilowa. When he was taken captive, as might be expected, Andrew was tortured and starved. When he was disrobed, no doubt to take a beating, they took his medal from his neck. To desecrate it, they threw it under the feet of horses. Andrew begged for the return of the medal, a plea that fell on deaf ears. He was tortured and after that thrown into a prison cell. He prayed to Our Lady of Czestochowa and his medal was said to appear suddenly, on his cot. His kissed the image and placed it back around his neck. As soon as they noticed the necklace had returned, they tried to remove it a second time. It could not be taken off. They gave up and left it there. The men were a bit taken back by this event, so he was freed and returned to Warsaw.

*****

Another soldier was similarly saved. In 1672, Sir Adam Strzalkowski, was threatened by a Tartar's sword. He prayed and the Tartar's hand began to shake violently, causing the sword to drop. The executioner picked up the sword, and tried again, with similar results. Adam returned home briefly, then went to another battle. His medal again spared his life. This time he was shot and a hole went through his armor, but was stopped by Our Lady, which afterwards carried the imprint of the bullet.

*****

Colonel Stanislus Jazowski was traveling in 1743, during a plague epidemic. He fell from his horse stricken by the fever. He could not move from the ground, because of his sudden weakness. He prayed: "Our Lady of Czestochowa, help me." He fainted away and slept. He began to float in the air, and saw his own image laying on the ground below. He knew, at that moment, that he must be dying. However, as he floated, he then saw the image of the Blessed Virgin. She spoke: "Fear not, you will live." He woke up later feeling revived and healthy.

*****

Princess Anna Wisniowiecka went boating in 1613. As soon as she was a distance from the shore, a storm approached rapidly. The violent wind scared her and she lost hold of her oars. The sky grew darker and she could barely see the oar in the water. In her attempt to reach it, she fell into the water of the now angry river. She was terrified, since she could not swim. She called out desperately: "Our Lady of Czestochowa, help me." The Lady appeared and helped the young woman safely to the shore.

The princess showed her gratitude by presenting a silver plaque to Czestochowa to commemerate her rescue.

*****

On May 29, 1921, Anna Korsak, from Lublin, was cured of an incurable eye disease and regained her sight.

*****

A blind, deaf, and dumb man, named Martin Obietynski was similarly cured and made able to hear, see, and speak.

*****

Many people died of epidemics in central Europe in 1622, 1625, 1630, 1677, and 1707; and Crakow (Kracow), Warsaw, Lwow and other cities were devastated. However, the city of Czestochowa was never touched. The Pauline fathers were prepared for an epidemic that never came. Those who prayed, at the Madonna, were saved.

*****

Countess Mniszchowa, of Lubomir, was in pain and had a burning fever. Her doctors gave her medicines and practiced cures, but nothing worked. She had her servants take her to Czestochowa in 1744. She prayed for several days at the foot of the painting, begging Our Lady to save her. She then noticed pilgrims pouring water on their afflictions and being cured before her eyes. The Countess did the same and prayed again. She was cured and traveled home.

*****

The court artist, James Wezyk (of King Jagiello's court), was afflicted with eye problems. He thought this was the worst thing that could happen to an artist, since he could no long see and paint the beauty of the world. Being an artist and not being able to paint greatly troubled him. Court physicians could not cure him. The artist lived in Wilno (Vilno), Lithuania.

In 1392, he learned of Jasna Gora and Czestochowa. This was thousands of kilometers from Wilno, but he was determined to make the trip, as his last chance at a cure. He made the trip to Jasna Gora and entered the chapel and began to pray. His eyes suddenly filled with tears as he tried to look upon the face of the Blessed Mother. Since he was almost completely blind it was difficult to see. However, a voice instructed him where to look. He looked in that direction and beheld a radiant glow of light and a beautiful painting with the face of Our Lady. His eyesight returned and he dedicated the rest of his life to painting images of the Virgin Mary.

This miracle was verified by Bishop Martin Szyszkowski, an eyewitness to the miracle.

*****

In 1784, on an estate in Krzewiny; Francis Bialkowski, the estate's adnministrator, noticed a peasant stealing their wood. The thief was scared of the consequences of his thievery, and attacked the onlooker, hoping to avoid his fate. He wounded the administrator with his axe. Francis, though greatly shaken by the blow, ran towards his horse to escape. The peasant again attacked. The victim prayed: "Our Lady of Czestochowa, help me." The attacker trampled Bialkowski, stabbed him with a rod and left him for dead," then fled the scene.

Hours passed and the man lost a lot of blood, and felt as if he were leaving his mortal body, then suddenly he was in the world again. The man regained consciousness and prayed" "O Mother of God, I thank thee for saving my life." The man had enough strength to get home and be treated for his wounds, which healed rapidly. He return to the Shrine again and again to thank Our Lady for sparing his life.

 

*****