Lives of the Saints
For Every Day in the Year
Item Number: 1565
Father Butler's famous LIVES OF THE SAINTS ranks only after the Bible, the Missal and The Imitation of Christ as the all-time most popular and authoritative Catholic book. The material in this handy one-volume edition is taken from the tomes of the highly revered Father Alban Butler (1710-1763), an English Catholic priest and scholar who devoted almost 30 years of meticulous research to the lives of the Saints and whose work was originally published in the 1750's. This present edition contains no editing by Donald Attwater or Fr. Herbert Thurston, ST, as do many othereditions; thus it conveys Fr. Butler's spirit of profound faith in and reverence for our saintly traditions. Additional saints have been added, however, who have lived since Fr. Butler's time-these include St. Therese the Little Flower; Pope St. Pius X, St. Catherine Laboure and others. Yet the book is still based on the traditional Catholic calendar (as of 1955).
Giving approximately one page per Saint, plus a brief Reflection based on the virtues of the Saint of the day, Lives of the Saints is extremely valuable to read daily in order to put oneself in tune with our holy Catholic traditions and to develop a truly Catholic approach to life. Included here are the feast days of canonized Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, Popes, Bishops, etc., plus holy days like the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8), the Assumption (August 15), the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), and many other feasts.
This book fills a real need and is being published after numerous requests. It exemplifies many holy lessons that the Saints have to teach present generations of Catholics, showing the fruits of the Catholic Faith as borne out in the lives of its greatest adherents.
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 11/15
Patron Of:
Medical Technicians, Philosophers, School Children, Scientists, Students, Natural Sciences, World Youth Day
Son of a military nobleman. Dominican. Priest. Taught theology at Cologne and Paris. Teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Influential teacher, preacher, administrator. Bishop of Regensburg. Introduced Greek and Arabic science and philosophy to medieval Europe. Known for his wide interest in what became known later as the natural sciences - botany, biology, etc. Wrote and illustrated guides to his observations, and was considered on a par with Aristotle as an authority on these matters. Theological writer. Doctor of the Church.
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Eastern Calendar - 11/30
Roman Rite Calendar - 11/30
Patron Of:
Anglers, Fishermen, Gout, Maidens, Singers, Sore Throuts, Unmarried Women
St. Andrew, the Apostle, son of Jonah, or John (Matthew 16:17; John 1:42), was born in Bethsaida of Galilee (John 1:44). He was brother of Simon (Peter) (Matthew 10:2; John 1:40). Both were fishermen (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16), and at the beginning of Our Lord's public life occupied the same house at Capharnaum (Mark 1:21, 29).
From the fourth Gospel we learn that Andrew was a disciple of the Baptist, whose testimony first led him and John the Evangelist to follow Jesus (John 1:35-40). Andrew at once recognized Jesus as the Messias, and hastened to introduce Him to his brother, Peter, (John 1:41). Thenceforth the two brothers were disciples of Christ. On a subsequent occasion, prior to the final call to the apostolate, they were called to a closer companionship, and then they left all things to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11; Matthew 4:19-20; Mark 1:17-18).
Finally Andrew was chosen to be one of the Twelve; and in the various lists of Apostles given in the New Testament (Matthew 10:2-4); Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13) he is always numbered among the first four. The only other explicit reference to him in the Synoptists occurs in Mark 13:3, where we are told he joined with Peter, James and John in putting the question that led to Our Lord's great eschatological discourse. In addition to this scanty information, we learn from the fourth Gospel that on the occasion of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, it was Andrew who said: "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes: but what are these among so many?" (John 6:8-9); and when, a few days before Our Lord's death, certain Greeks asked Philip that they might see Jesus, Philip referred the matter to Andrew as to one of greater authority, and then both told Christ (John 12:20-22). Like the majority of the Twelve, Andrew is not named in the Acts except in the list of the Apostles, where the order of the first four is Peter, John, James, Andrew; nor have the Epistles or the Apocalypse any mention of him.
From what we know of the Apostles generally, we can, of course, supplement somewhat these few details. As one of the Twelve, Andrew was admitted to the closest familiarity with Our Lord during His public life; he was present at the Last Supper; beheld the risen Lord; witnessed the Ascension; shared in the graces and gifts of the first Pentecost, and helped, amid threats and persecution, to establish the Faith in Palestine.
When the Apostles went forth to preach to the Nations, Andrew seems to have taken an important part, but unfortunately we have no certainty as to the extent or place of his labours. Eusebius (Church History III.1), relying, apparently, upon Origen, assigns Scythia as his mission field: Andras de [eilechen] ten Skythian; while St. Gregory of Nazianzus (Oration 33) mentions Epirus; St. Jerome (Ep. ad Marcell.) Achaia; and Theodoret (on Ps. cxvi) Hellas. Probably these various accounts are correct, for Nicephorus (H.E. II:39), relying upon early writers, states that Andrew preached in Cappadocia, Galatia, and Bithynia, then in the land of the anthropophagi and the Scythian deserts, afterwards in Byzantium itself, where he appointed St. Stachys as its first bishop, and finally in Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, and Achaia. It is generally agreed that he was crucified by order of the Roman Governor, Aegeas or Aegeates, at Patrae in Achaia, and that he was bound, not nailed, to the cross, in order to prolong his sufferings. The cross on which he suffered is commonly held to have been the decussate cross, now known as St. Andrew's, though the evidence for this view seems to be no older than the fourteenth century. His martyrdom took place during the reign of Nero, on 30 November, A.D. 60); and both the Latin and Greek Churches keep 30 November as his feast.
St. Andrew's relics were translated from Patrae (Patras) to Constantinople, and deposited in the church of the Apostles there, about A.D. 357. When Constantinople was taken by the French, in the beginning of the thirteenth century, Cardinal Peter of Capua brought the relics to Italy and placed them in the cathedral of Amalfi. In recent years, by decision of Pope Paul VI in 1964, the relics that were kept in the Vatican City, were sent back to Patras. The relics, which consist of the small finger, part of the top of the cranium of Andrew and small parts of the cross, have since that time been kept in the Church of St Andrew at Patras in a special shrine. St. Andrew is honoured as their chief patron by Russia, Romania, Greece, Ukraine and Scotland.
This article is from the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia.
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 07/21
Patron Of:
Sterility, Against Poverty, Cabinet Makers, Canada, Carpenters, Grandmothers, Horseriders, Housekeepers, Mothers, Women In Labor
Mother of Our Lady. Grandmother of Jesus Christ. Wife of Saint Joachim. Probably well off. Tradition says that Anne was quite elderly when Mary was born, and that she was their only child. The belief that Anne remained a virgin in the conception and birth of Mary was condemned by the Vatican in 1677. Believed to have given Mary to the service of the Temple when the girl was three years old. Devotion to her has been popular in the East from the very early days of the Church; widespread devotion in the West began in the 16th century, but many shrines have developed since.
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 06/13
Patron Of:
Poor, Sailors, Boatmen, Amputees, Barren Women, Butchers, Cemetery Workers, Faith In The Blessed Sacrament, Grave Diggers, American Indians, Lost Articles
Anthony's wealthy family wanted him to be a great nobleman, but for the sake of Christ he became a poor Franciscan. Priest.
When the remains of Saint Berard and his companions, the first Franciscan martyrs, were brought to be buried in his church, Anthony was moved to leave his order, enter the Friars Minor, and go to Morocco to evangelize. Shipwrecked at Sicily, he joined some other brothers who were going to Portiuncula. Lived in a cave at San Paolo leaving only to attend Mass and sweep the nearby monastery. One day when a scheduled speaker failed to appear, the brothers pressed him into speaking. He impressed them so that he was thereafter constantly travelling, evangelizing, preaching, and teaching theology through Italy and France.
A gifted speaker, he attracted crowds everywhere he went, speaking in multiple tongues; legend says that even the fish loved to listen. Wonder worker. One of the most beloved of saints, his images and statues are found everywhere. Proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 16 January 1946.
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Tridentine Calendar - 12/04
Patron Of:
Ammunition Workers, Architects, Artillery, Brass Workers, Builders, Fireworks, Fortifications, Founders, Gunners, Impenitence, Lightning, Miners, Stone Masons, Storms, Sudden Death, Warehouses
Profile
Beautiful maiden imprisoned in a high tower by her father Dioscorus for disobedience. While there, she was tutored by philosophers, orators and poets. From them she learned to think, and decided that polytheism was nonsense. With the help of Origen and Valentinian, she converted to Christianity.
Her father denounced her to the local authorities for her faith, and they ordered him to kill her. She escaped, but he caught her, dragged her home by her hair, tortured her, and killed her. He was immediately struck by lightning, or according to some sources, fire from heaven.
Her imprisonment led to her association with towers, then the construction and maintenance of them, then to their military uses. The lightning that avenged her murder led to asking her protection against fire and lightning, and her patronage of firefighters, etc. Her association with things military and with death that falls from the sky led to her patronage of all things related to artillery, and her image graced powder magazines and arsenals for years. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
While there were undoubtedly beautiful converts named Barbara, this saint is legend, and her cultus developed when pious fiction was mistaken for history.
Died
beheaded by her father c.235 at Nicomedia during the persecution of Maximinus of Thrace; relics at Burano, Italy, and Kiev, Russia
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 07/11
Tridentine Calendar - 03/21
Roman Rite Calendar - 07/11
Patron Of:
Against Witchcraft, Civil Engineers, Dying, Farmers, Gall Stones, Homeless, Kidney Disease, Monastics, Monks, Poisoning, Schoolchildren, Speleologists
Profile
Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadaisical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven. His virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried by poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, prophesy, and forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: "Pray and work."
Born
c.480, Narsia, Umbria, Italy
Died
21 March 547 of a fever while in prayer at Monte Cassino, Italy; buried beneath the high altar there in the same tomb as Saint Scholastica Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadaisical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven. His virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried by poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, prophesy, and forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: "Pray and work."
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 08/20
Tridentine Calendar - 08/20
Patron Of:
Beekeepers, Candle-makers, Gibraltar, Wax-refiners
Profile
French nobility. At age 22, fearing the ways of the world, he, four of his brothers, and 25 friends joined the abbey of Citeaux; his father and another brother joined soon after. Benedictine. Founded and led the monastery at Clairvaux which soon had over 700 monks and 160 daughter houses. Revised and reformed the Cistercians. Advisor to, and admonisher of, King Louis the Fat and King Louis the Young. Attended Second Lateran Council. Fought Albigensianism. Helped end the schism of anti-Pope Anacletus II. Preached in France, Italy, Germany. Helped organize the Second Crusade. Friend and biographer of Saint Malachy O'More. Spritual advisor to Pope Eugenius III, who had originally been one of his monks. First Cistercian monk placed on the calendar of saints. Proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius VIII.
Every morning Bernard would ask himself, "Why have I come here?", and then remind himself of his main duty - lead a holy life. Born
1090 at Fontaines-les-Dijon, Burgundy, France
Died
20 August 1153 at Clairvaux
Canonized
1170 by Pope Alexander III
Born - 1090 at Fontaines-les-Dijon, Burgundy, France
Died - 20 August 1153 at Clairvaux
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 05/16
Tridentine Calendar - 05/16
Roman Rite Calendar - 05/16
Patron Of:
Boatmen, Ireland, Mariners, Navigators, Sailors, Seafarers, Travelers, Yachtsmen
Brother of Saint Briga. Monk. Educated by Saint Ita of Killeedy and Saint Erc of Kerry. Friend of Saint Columba and Saint Brendan of Birr, Saint Brigid, and Saint Enda of Arran. Ordained in 512. Built monastic cells at Ardfert, Shankeel, Aleth, Plouaret, Inchquin Island, and Annaghdown. Founded Clonfert monastery and monastic school c.559. Legend says that this community had at least three thousand monks, and that their rule was dictated to Brendan by an angel.
Brendan and his brothers figure in Brendan's Voyage, a tale of monks travelingtravelling the high seas of the Atlantic, evangelizing to the islands, possibly reaching the Americas in the 6th century. At one point they stop on a small island, celebrate Easter Mass, light a fire - and then learn the island is an enormous whale!
Born - 460 at Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
Died - c.577 at Annaghdown (Enach Duin); buried at Clonfert, Ireland
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar - 02/01
Tridentine Calendar - 02/01
Patron Of:
Babies, Blacksmiths, Boatmen, Cattle, Childern Whose Parents Aren't Married, Dairy Workers, Fugitives, Ireland, Mariners, Midwives, Newborn Babies, Nuns, Poets, Poultry Farmers, Sailors, Scholars, Travelers
Profile
Daughter of Dubtach, pagan Scottish king of Leinster, and Brocca, a Christian Pictish slave who had been baptized by Saint Patrick. Just before Brigid's birth, her mother was sold to a Druid landowner. Brigid remained with her mother till she was old enough to serve her legal owner Dubtach, her father.
She grew up marked by her high spirits and tender heart, and as a child, she heard Saint Patrick preach, which she never forgot. She could not bear to see anyone hungry or cold, and to help them, often gave away things that were Dubtach's. When Dubtach protested, she replied that "Christ dwelt in every creature". Dubtach tried to sell her to the King of Leinster, and while they bargained, she gave a treasured sword of her father's to a leper. Dubtach was about to strike her when Brigid explained she had given the sword to God through the leper, because of its great value. The King, a Christian, forbade Dubtach to strike her, saying "Her merit before God is greater than ours". Dubtach solved this domestic problem by giving Brigid her freedom.
Brigid's aged mother was in charge of her master's dairy. Brigid took charge ,and often gave away the produce. But the dairy prospered under her (hence her patronage of milk maids, dairy workers, cattle, etc.), and the Druid freed Brigid's mother.
Brigid returned to her father, who arranged a marriage for her with a young bard. Bride refused, and to keep her virginity, went to Bishop Mel, a pupil of Saint Patrick's, and took her first vows. Legend says that she prayed that her beauty be taken from her so no one would seek her hand in marriage; her prayer was granted, and she regained her beauty only after making her vows. Another tale says that when Saint Patrick heard her final vows, he mistakenly used the form for ordaining priests. When told of it he replied, "So be it, my son, she is destined for great things."
Her first convent started with seven nuns. At the invitation of bishops, she started convents all over Ireland. She was a great traveler, especially considering the conditions of the time, which led to her patronage of travelers, sailors, etc. Brigid invented the double monastery, the monastery of Kildare that she ran on the Liffey river being for both monks and nuns. Saint Conleth became its first bishop; this connection and the installation of a bell that lasted over 1000 years apparently led to her patronage of blacksmiths and those in related fields.
Born
453 at Faughart, County Louth, Ireland
Died
1 February 523 at Kildare, Ireland of natural causes; buried in Downpatrick, Ireland with Saint Patrick and Saint Columba; head removed to Jesuit church in Lisbon, Portugal
Canonized
Pre-Congregation Daughter of Dubtach, pagan Scottish king of Leinster, and Brocca, a Christian Pictish slave who had been baptized by Saint Patrick. Just before Brigid's birth, her mother was sold to a Druid landowner. Brigid remained with her mother till she was old enough to serve her legal owner Dubtach, her father.
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
|
Feast Day:
Eastern Calendar - 03/09
Roman Rite Calendar - 07/25
Tridentine Calendar - 07/25
Patron Of:
Against Lightning, Archers, Automobiles, Bachelors, Boatmen, Bookbinders, Bus Drivers, Epilepsy, Floods, Gardeners, Hazards While Traveling, Lightning, Mariners, Motorists, Porters, Sailors, Storms, Sudden Death, Toothache, Travel, Travelers, Truck Drivers
Profile
Third century martyr in the persecutions of Decius. Little else is known for sure.
His fame derives from the pious legend of him being a "Christ-bearer" (= Christopher). He was a powerfully built man who wandered the world in search of novelty and adventure. He came upon a hermit who lived beside a dangerous stream and served others by guiding them to safe places to cross. He gave Offero instruction in the truth of God. Offero took the hermit's place, but instead of guiding travelers, he carried them safely across the stream.
One day he carried a small child across the stream; the child's weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, and he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world on himself. He then baptized Offero with water from the stream. Christopher's service at the stream led to his patronage of things related to travel and travelers, people who carry things, etc. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
Born
at Canaan as Offero
Died
martyred c.251 Third century martyr in the persecutions of Decius. Little else is known for sure.
All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.
|
 A Tiber River reviewer hasn't written a review for this book yet.
Sign up as a Tiber River reviewer and see your review here!
(Apart from fame, you can also can get free stuff and gift certificates.)
1. Damien of Molokai - Priest of Heroic Kindness 11/02/2009
2. Augustine Tolton - Priest of Heroic Patience 07/30/2009
3. Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene by St. Anselm 07/20/2009
4. Don Carlo Gnocchi - Priest of Heroic Kindness 06/18/2009
5. Fr. Vincent Capodanno - Priest of Heroic Virtue 06/01/2009
6. Our Lady of Fatima 02/26/2009
7. St. Anthony of Padua 02/26/2009
8. St. Mark the Evangelist 02/24/2009
9. St. Joseph 02/23/2009
10. St. Patrick 02/11/2009
11. The Way of the Cross 01/21/2009
12. St. Valentine 01/16/2009
13. St. John Bosco 01/16/2009
14. St. Anthony the Great, Founder of Monasticism 01/14/2009
15. Archbishop Fulton Sheen 01/14/2009
16. St. Thomas Aquinas 01/06/2009
17. St. Francis de Sales 01/06/2009
18. The Conversion of Paul 12/17/2008
19. St. Agnes of Rome 12/17/2008
20. Children's Resources for Learning About the Saints 12/15/2008
21. About Our Lady of Guadalupe 12/05/2008
22. What Are Sacrifice Beads? 12/02/2008
23. Pope St. Damasus I 12/02/2008
24. St. Jude Thaddeus 12/02/2008
25. Good King Wenceslas 11/25/2008
26. Learn About Mary 11/24/2008
27. St. Catherine of Alexandria 11/24/2008
28. St. Francis Xavier 11/24/2008
29. St. Lucy 11/24/2008
30. Saint Cecilia 11/21/2008
31. Devotion to the Saints 11/13/2008
32. St. Albert the Great 11/04/2008
33. St. Martin de Porres, the Saint of the Broom 10/24/2008
34. St. Michael the Archangel 10/24/2008
35. St. Josaphat Kuncevyc 10/21/2008
36. St. Teresa of Avila 10/14/2008
37. St. Margaret Mary and the Sacred Heart 10/14/2008
38. In Remembrance of Pope John Paul II 10/13/2008
39. Resources for the Year of St. Paul 10/13/2008
40. About St. Dominic 10/07/2008
41. A Letter From Padre Pio 10/01/2008
42. Francis and Clare - A New Feature Film 10/01/2008
43. Mother Teresa's Secret Fire 10/01/2008
44. St. Pio - Padre Pio - A Model for Our Times 09/22/2008
45. The Apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes 07/21/2008
46. About St. Bernadette 07/21/2008
47. The Conversion of St. Paul 07/03/2008
48. Why a Year of St. Paul? 07/02/2008
49. The Martyrdom of St. Paul 07/02/2008
50. Our Mother (Our Lady) of Perpetual Help 06/24/2008
51. About the Nativity of St. John the Baptist 06/20/2008
52. About St. Aloysius Gonzaga 06/19/2008
53. The Feast of St. Justin Martyr 05/31/2008
54. Feast of the Annunciation 03/31/2008
55. St. Josephine Bakhita 02/08/2008
56. Feast of St. John Neumann 01/02/2008
57. Feast of St. Sylvester I, Pope 12/30/2007
58. Feast of the Holy Family 12/29/2007
59. Feast of St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr 12/28/2007
60. Feast of St. John the Evangelist 12/26/2007
61. Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 12/26/2007
62. Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr 12/24/2007
63. Feast of St. Basil the Great 12/21/2007
64. Feast of the Holy Innocents 12/18/2007
65. All Saints Day 10/22/2007
66. How a Saint is Made 05/19/2007
|
My Cart
My cart is empty.
|
