St. Simon Stock

Although little is known about St. Simon Stock’s early life, legend has it that the name Stock, meaning “tree trunk,” derives from the fact that, beginning at age twelve, he lived as a hermit in a hollow tree trunk of an oak tree. It is also believed that, as a young man, he went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he joined a group of Carmelites with whom he later returned to Europe. Simon Stock founded many Carmelite Communities, especially in University towns such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna, and he helped to change the Carmelites from a hermit Order to one of mendicant friars. In 1254 he was elected Superior-General of his Order at London. Simon Stock’s lasting fame came from an apparition he had in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, at a time when the Carmelite Order was being oppressed. In it the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: “Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire.

It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection.” The scapular (from the Latin, scapula, meaning “shoulder blade”) consists of two pieces of cloth, one worn on the chest, and the other on the back, which were connected by straps or strings passing over the shoulders. In certain Orders, monks and nuns wear scapulars that reach from the shoulders almost to the ground as outer garments. Lay persons usually wear scapulars underneath their clothing; these consist of two pieces of material only a few inches square. There are elaborate rules governing the wearing of the scapular: although it may be worn by any Catholic, even an infant, the investiture must be done by a priest. And the scapular must be worn in the proper manner; if an individual neglects to wear it for a time, the benefits are forfeited. The Catholic Church has approved eighteen different kinds of scapulars of which the best known is the woolen brown scapular, or the Scapular of Mount Carmel, that the Virgin Mary bestowed on Simon Stock. His feast day is May 16th.

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St. Bibiana

St. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr (Feast day – December 2nd) Other than the name, nothing is known for certain about this saint. However, we have the following account from a later tradition.

In the year 363, Julian the Apostate made Apronianus Governor of Rome. St. Bibiana suffered in the persecution started by him. She was the daughter of Christians, Flavian, a Roman knight, and Dafrosa, his wife. Flavian was tortured and sent into exile, where he died of his wounds. Dafrosa was beheaded, and their two daughters, Bibiana and Demetria, were stripped of their possessions and left to suffer poverty. However, they remained in their house, spending their time in fasting and prayer.

Apronianus, seeing that hunger and want had no effect upon them, summoned them. Demetria, after confessing her Faith, fell dead at the feet of the tyrant. St. Bibiana was reserved for greater sufferings. She was placed in the hands of a wicked woman called Rufina, who in vain endeavored to seduce her. She used blows as well as persuasion, but the Christian virgin remained faithful.

Enraged at the constancy of this saintly virgin, Apronianus ordered her to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges, laden with lead plummets, until she expired. The saint endured the torments with joy, and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner.

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St. Rafqa

St. Rafqa, also known as Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, was a Lebanese Maronite nun born on June 29, 1832, in Himlaya, Lebanon¹. She is revered for her deep faith and enduring suffering, which she embraced as a way to share in Christ’s passion.

Key Aspects of St. Rafqa’s Life:

• Early Life: Rafqa was the only child of Mourad Saber el-Choboq el Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel. Her mother passed away when she was just seven years old¹.
• Religious Calling: At the age of 14, Rafqa felt a strong calling to religious life. Despite family pressures to marry, she chose to join the Convent of Our Lady of Liberation at Bikfaya¹.
• Monastic Life: Rafqa joined the Lebanese Maronite Order in 1871. She spent her life in prayer, teaching, and serving others².
• Suffering and Faith: Rafqa experienced severe physical suffering, including blindness and paralysis, which she accepted with grace and faith, seeing it as a way to unite with Christ’s suffering³.
• Canonization: She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 10, 2001¹.

St. Rafqa’s feast day is celebrated on March 23rd¹.

Would you like to know more about her miracles, prayers, or perhaps some reflections on her life and faith?

¹: Wikipedia ²: Vatican ³: Saints Resource

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About St. Patricia

St. Patricia, also known as Patricia of Naples or Patricia of Constantinople, was a noblewoman who lived in the 7th century¹. She is believed to have been related to the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great¹². Patricia chose a life of religious devotion, renouncing her noble status and wealth to become a nun¹.

Here are some key aspects of her life:

• Noble Birth: Patricia was born into a wealthy and prominent family, possibly related to the Roman Emperor¹.
• Religious Vocation: She decided to dedicate her life to God, taking a vow of virginity and becoming a nun¹.
• Pilgrimage and Shipwreck: Patricia planned to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. However, her journey was interrupted by a storm that shipwrecked her on the shores of Naples¹.
• Final Days: After the shipwreck, she found refuge on the tiny island of Megarides (now the site of Castel dell’Ovo) in Naples. Unfortunately, she fell ill and died shortly after¹.
• Veneration: Her relics were initially housed in the monastery of Sante Patricia and later moved to the monastery of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples¹. Her blood is said to liquefy periodically, similar to the more famous miracle associated with St. Januarius¹.

St. Patricia’s feast day is celebrated on August 25th¹

Prayer to St. Patricia for Protection and Guidance

Dear St. Patricia, You were a woman of great faith, who dedicated your life to serving God and helping others. I ask for your guidance and protection as I navigate my own journey of faith. Help me to be courageous in the face of adversity, and to always stand up for what is right and true. Give me the strength to persevere in difficult times, and the wisdom to make good decisions. I pray that you will be with me as I strive to live a life of charity and compassion, and that I may always be a shining example of the love of Christ.

Prayer to St. Patricia for Strength in Faith

Dear St. Patricia, You were a woman of deep faith, who gave up everything for the sake of your beliefs. I ask for your intercession as I struggle with doubt and uncertainty in my own faith. Help me to remain steadfast and to trust in God’s plan for me. May your example inspire me to live a life of devotion and service1.

These prayers can be a source of inspiration and comfort, especially when seeking guidance and strength in your faith journey.

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St. Lea

St. Lea—a remarkable figure from the early Christian era! Let’s delve into her story.

St. Lea of Rome lived during the fourth century and is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. Her life is known primarily through the writings of her close friend, the learned Saint Jerome. Here’s what we know:

1. Background and Transformation:

• Lea was born into wealth and privilege in Rome. She enjoyed a life of comfort and social standing.
• Tragically, she became a widow soon after her marriage. Rather than retiring as a wealthy widow, Lea made a radical choice: She joined a convent of consecrated virgins in the city, shedding all her material possessions and status.
• Lea’s transformation exemplifies the power of faith and self-sacrifice. She chose a life of austerity and devotion to God.

1. Life in the Convent:

• Lea supported a house run by another saint, Marcella. She worked as a menial servant and later became the prioress of the convent.
• Her nights were spent in prayer, and she led by example rather than through speeches.
• St. Jerome described her as “blessed,” emphasizing her virtues as worthy of heaven.

1. Jerome’s Tribute:

• In a letter to Marcella upon Lea’s death, Jerome drew a parallel with the parable of Lazarus and Dives. He urged Marcella to prioritize eternal things over worldly possessions.
• Lea’s feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is March 22¹.

So, when you think of St. Lea, remember her as a woman who chose spiritual riches over material wealth—a lesson that still resonates today. If you’re seeking solace or guidance, perhaps St. Lea’s example can inspire you. 😊²³⁴

Is there anything else you’d like to explore or discuss? Perhaps another saint or a different topic?

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 25/07/2024
(1) Saint Lea – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lea.
(2) Saint Lea of Rome – Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute: Blesseds & Saints. https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_lea_of_rome.
(3) Saint of the day: St. Lea – Catholic Trends. https://catholic-trends.com/2024/03/22/saint-of-the-day-st-lea/.
(4) St. Lea – Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-lea-185.

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