Saint Francis Xavier’s Missionary Wisdom

Francis Xavier was born on 7 April 1506, in the city of Javier, which in Basque language means “new house”, in the Kingdom of...

Andre Grasset, Canada’s First Beatus, and a Martyr in the September Massacres

Blessed André Grassett was the first Canadian to be beatified - not quite the first 'saint', which requires canonization, and that honour belongs to...

Saints Elizabeth of Portugal and Antoine Daniel

On this day we honour Elizabeth of Portugal (+1336), who lived in the turbulent time at the dawn of the fourteenth century. She was...

Praying and Rejoicing with Pope John Paul II

Today, Friday 22 October 2021, the universal Church cries out with joy for the feast of Pope St John Paul II. On this very day,...

Saint Angela Merici’s Ursulines

Saint Angela Merici (+1540) lived and died in Italy, growing up to adulthood during the tumultuous events of the early Reformation (she went to...

The Joy of Felix of Catalice – Brother ‘Deo Gratias’

Today, Tuesday 18 May 2021, is the feast of the Capuchin lay brother St Felix of Cantalice (+1587). Certainly Brother Felix has been foundational...

Saint Polycarp’s – Baked Bread and Boldness

The Church has had martyrs since her earliest days, and will have them unto the end of time.  One of the first in the...

Saint Anthony of Padua’s Enduring Popularity

On Sunday 13 2021 the universal Church, and particularly, the Franciscan Order, celebrate with great joy the feast of St Anthony of Padua. In the...

Pope Benedict and Saint Cyril

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Paul VI Audience Hall Wednesday, 27 June 2007 Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Dear Brothers and Sisters, Our attention today is focused on St Cyril of Jerusalem....

Blessed Catherine of Saint Augustine, Foundress of Canada

We have celebrated a number of 'Catherines' of late in our liturgical calendar, two of them Canadian: Kateri Tekakwitha on April 17th, the native...