July 6 St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902) One of the largest crowds ever assembled for a canonization—250,000—symbolized the reaction of millions touched by the simple story of Maria Goretti. On a hot afternoon in July, Maria was sitting at the top of the stairs of her house, mending a shirt. She was not

July 4, St. Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336)Elizabeth is usually depicted in royal garb with a dove or an olive branch. At her birth in 1271, her father, Pedro III, future king of Aragon, was reconciled with his father, James, the reigning monarch. This proved to be a portent of things to come. Und

St. Catherine of Siena, (1347-1380) The value Catherine makes central in her short life and which sounds clearly and consistently through her experience is complete surrender to Christ. What is most impressive about her is that she learns to view her surrender to her Lord as a goal to be reached thr

O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit, O Most Holy Trinity,, O Jesus, O Mary, O Saints of Paradise. I ask this grace through the Blood of Christ, you may be sure that if you have faith and persevere in prayer, you will receive the grace for which you humbly ask, if it be in accordance with God’s holy will.

July 3,St. Thomas the Apostle,Poor Thomas! He made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” (see John 20:24-28) and, in so expressin

Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

July 1 Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-1784)In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San

We beseech you, O Lord, to come to the aid of your children, whom you have redeemed by your Precious Blood. July 1 Blessed Junipero Serra(1713-1784)

June 30 First Martyrs of the Church of Rome(d. 68)In July of 64 A.D., more than half of Rome was destroyed by fire. Rumor blamed the tragedy on Nero, who wanted to enlarge his palace. He shifted the blame by accusing the Christians. According to the historian Tacitus, many Christians were put to dea

July 30 St. Peter Chrysologus (406-450?) A man who vigorously pursues a goal may produce results far beyond his expectations and his intentions. Thus it was with Peter of the Golden Words, as he was called, who as a young man became bishop of Ravenna, the capital of the empire in the West. At the ti