St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to become a saint, was born on July 15th, 1850 in a village near Milan, Italy. Inspired with missionary zeal at a young age, she attempted to join a religious order at 18, but was denied due to her poor health. Undeterred, her missionary heart led her to restore an orphanage in Cadagono, Italy, which began an incredible journey of founding a religious order, becoming Mother Cabrini, and opening schools, hospitals and orphanages around the world. She became a U.S. citizen in 1909, and is the patron saint of immigrants. Her feast day is November 13th. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Time Period: 1850-1917 Feast Day: November 13 Title/Attributes: Virgin Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to become a saint, was born on July 15, 1850 in S’ant Angelo Lodigiano, a small village near Milan, Italy. Inspired with a missionary zeal at a young age and intrigued with the future of religious life, she studied arduously at her school, run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. She graduated with high honors at 18 and immediately applied for admission to the religious order but was turned down due to her poor health. Undeterred, she devoted herself to a life of lay service. She accepted a substitute teaching position in a village school, where she met Father Antonio Serrati, the rector of the parish run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. Fr. Antonio took notice of her missionary heart, and when Frances attempted to join the religious order again, he gave her a different mission: travel to Cadagono, Italy in order to help restore a disorganized and poorly run orphanage called the House of Providence. At 24 years old, she journeyed to Cadogno for a six-year period of training, teaching, and building a community of women who were devoted to a life of charitable work. In September of 1877, she became Mother Cabrini, making her vows at the House of Providence, and putting on her religious habit for the first time. She also added “Xavier” to her name, in honor of St. Francis Xavier. Frances was named Mother Superior of the House of Providence, helping train seven young nuns before the orphanage was abruptly closed in 1880. Now homeless, Frances would soon receive a suggestion from the Bishop of Lodi: found a missionary order of women to serve in his diocese. She accepted, moving with the nuns into an abandoned Franciscan friary. They became a hub of activity - receiving orphans, opening a day school, teaching classes in needlework, and doing everything they could with few resources to serve those in their area. At the same time, Mother Cabrini was beginning to draw together a simple rule of life for the institute, choosing St. Francis de Sales and St. Francis Xavier as their patrons. She composed the rule and constitution of their religious institute, designing a simple habit to wear, and they became the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. In its first five years, the institute would open seven homes, a free school, and a nursery, with many postulants flocking to Cadogno to join. Mother Cabrini traveled to Rome in 1877 to seek papal approval for her order from Pope Leo XIII, who encouraged her to take her missionary zeal “not to the East, but to the West.” At that time, millions of Italians had emigrated to the United States seeking new opportunities for their families, but found only hardships and cruelty. Lured by the enticements of a fresh start, they were immediately exploited and pulled into exceedingly dangerous jobs while living in clusters of overcrowded, disease-filled “Little Italy” slums. Most Italians found their dreams unmet, and were lonely and homesick in a new, vast country. On March 31, 1889, Mother Cabrini and six other sisters arrived in New York, ready to serve the Lord. They were met with challenges immediately, when a misunderstanding at the time of their arrival revealed that the building originally intended to be their orphanage was no longer available. The Archbishop suggested that the nuns should return to Italy, but Mother Cabrini refused. Thanks to a generous donation, the brave nuns purchased their first house, and an orphanage was soon taking root in West Park, New York, which is now known as the Saint Cabrini Home. Mother Cabrini would go on to open numerous orphanages, hospitals and schools around the world. She traveled vigorously, leaving a wake of care and support to those in need behind her. Even where she didn’t have an established institution, her presence alone led many groups and governments to take constructive steps to remedy any suffering or shortages in their area. In 1909, Mother Cabrini took the oath of allegiance to the United States in Seattle. Eight years after becoming a U.S. citizen, she was in Chicago when she suffered a recurrence of illnesses related to a previous bout with malaria. She died on December 22, 1917, in one of her own hospitals in Chicago. She was 67. St. Frances made an indelible impact on countless lives, and she is an incredible witness of a citizen-servant who was unafraid to serve God and neighbor alike. Next Item Previous Item

Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Communion - Child Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 2nd-8th Grade We look forward to helping your child prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. In accordance with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston guidelines, St. Anthony's prepares children for these sacraments over 2 years. FIRST YEAR Child is in 1st Grade or older Register child for grade-level Faith Formation: Classroom (in-person), Homeschool Program (online), or Catholic School Enrollment Child must have excellentattendance for the year, missing no more than 3 sessions. Access online registration by clicking here. Parents attend a meeting in the Spring of the child's first year of Faith Formation to receive Sacramental year details and registration information. SECOND YEAR Child is in 2nd Grade or older Register child for grade-level Faith Formation: Classroom (in-person), Homeschool Program (online), or Catholic School Enrollment Access grade-level registration by clicking here , August 1-31. Register for the First Communion & Reconciliation Program, which consists of: Monthly Family Sessions Weekly Home Study for the child, led by the parent, with workbook provided. Access First Communion & Reconciliation program registration via a special link sent to eligible families. The link will be sent in July for the August 1-31 registration period. Review the following to determine you and your child's readiness to enter the second year of the First Communion & Reconciliation Program IS YOUR CHILD READY? BAPTIZED - Your child has received Catholic Baptism or made a Profession of Faith FORMATION YEAR 1 - Your child completed the previous year of weekly Faith Formation missing no more than 3 sessions. JESUS - Your child knows Jesus through prayer and knows the sacrifice He made for our sins, and desires forgiveness of sins through the sacrament of Reconciliation and to receive Him in the Eucharist. FORMATION YEAR 2 - Your child is receptive to weekly and monthly formation sessions led by you and the parish, is in 2nd Grade, and is at least 7 years old. SUNDAY MASS - Your child attends Mass with your family every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligations PARENTS, ARE YOU READY? You will play an active role in preparing your children to receive TWO sacraments of the Catholic Church. These sacraments are the ones they will receive many times in their lives. Will you commit to investing the time for their preparation this year? Will you attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation? Will you go to sacramental Confession at least once a year? Will you pray WITH and FOR your child? Will you attend ALL monthly Family Sessions? Will you bring your child to their weekly grade-level Faith Formation Sessions? Will you lead your child through the workbooks in weekly preparation to receive the sacraments? If you answered YES to all the above, you have made a commitment to give your child the best preparation for an important year of receiving two sacraments! We look forward to walking with you and your family on the sacramental journey this year. If you answered "No" to any of the questions above, let's talk about the best way forward to meet your family's needs. Jesus Christ desires to be in communion with you! Please contact us to set up a phone or in-person appointment. PARENT MEETINGS for children who are in 1st - 8th grade and completing their first year of the First Communion & Reconciliation preparation requirement: Sunday, April 25, 2026 at 2:30 PM Wednesday, April 25, 2026 at 4:15 PM Monday, April 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM Wednesday April 28, 2026 at 4:45 PM *All meetings to be held in the Paduan Center Program Contact Katy Nardone Sacramental Preparation Coordinator knardone@ap.church 832-482-4062 Diane Czerniak Elementary Faith Formation Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Next Item Previous Item

St. Ephrem the Syrian is a Doctor of the Church and called “The Harp of the Holy Spirit” for his poetic theology and sacred hymns. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he worked under St. James of Nisibis and was present at the Council of Nicaea in 325. After fleeing to Edessa due to Persian conquest, he served the church as a teacher, writer, and defender of orthodoxy—opposing heresies such as Arianism and Gnosticism. Ephrem wrote prolifically in Syriac and his writings supported the Immaculate Conception. He is credited for introducing hymns into public worship. Ephrem’s final years were marked by charitable service during a famine. St. Ephrem the Syrian Time Period: 306-373 Feast Day: June 9 Title/Attributes: Deacon, Doctor of the Church Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Ephrem the Syrian is a Doctor of the Church and called “The Harp of the Holy Spirit.” He was born in Nisibis, in Mesopotamia, about 306. Ephrem headed the local catechetical school, served under St. James of Nisibis, and accompanied St. James to the Council of Nicaea in 325. When the city of Nisibis came under control of the Persians, Ephraem went to Edesa (modern Turkey), where he became a deacon and composed commentaries on the Scriptures and hymns. After visiting St. Basil at Caesarea in 370, Ephrem returned to Edessa to serve the poor and needy in a period of famine. He died on June 9 at Edessa. Ephrem is venerated both in the East and West. He wrote in the Syriac language and was an opponent of the Arians and Gnostics. His writings support the Immaculate Conception, and he is credited with introducing hymns into public worship. St. Ephrem is declared a Doctor of the Church which are certain men and women who are revered by the Church for the special value of their writings and preaching and the sanctity of their lives. They each made important and lasting contributions to the faith and are to be recognized for their great merits. To be declared a Doctor of the Church, you have to meet three basic requirements: First, you must have lived a life of exemplary holiness, or insignis vitae sanctitas (outstanding sanctity). In short, you have to be a saint. Second, to be a Doctor of the Church you must have deepened the whole Church's understanding of the Catholic Faith with emins doctrina (eminent teaching). Which is to say, sanctity isn't enough. There are thousands of saints, but only 37 Doctors of the Church. To be a Doctor one must do more than just live the Faith. Rather, one must significantly and profoundly contribute to our understanding of Divine Revelation, helping us to know more deeply some truth about God and His actions in the World. And third, a pope must officially declare you a Doctor. That being said, as the Church understands it, when a pope declares someone a Doctor of the Church, he's not so much making someone a Doctor as he is recognizing what the Holy Spirit has already done - that He has conferred the charism of Doctor upon them. Next Item Previous Item

St. Dominic Guzmán, the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), was a man of prayer and a dedicated servant of God. Born in Caleruega, Spain, around 1170, he came from a noble family and received a comprehensive education. St. Dominic demonstrated a deep love for the poor and a strong commitment to the study of Sacred Scripture. He sold his valuable books to support famine victims, exemplifying his selflessness and devotion to serving others. St. Dominic’s spirituality was characterized by his profound communion with God and his unwavering dedication to the salvation of souls. His witness emphasized the inseparable connection between love for God and love for neighbor. His feast day is August 8th. St. Dominic Time Period: 1170-1221 Feast Day: August 8 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Founder of Dominicans Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Dominic is the Founder of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans. The son of Felix de Guzman, a noble, and Blessed Joan of Aza, he was born in Calaruega, Spain in 1170. In 1184, Dominic began studies at the University of Palencia, becoming a canon regular at the cathedral of Osma in 1199. In 1203, Dominic accompanied Blessed Diego de Azevedo to southern France to preach against the Albigensian heretics and to reform the local monasteries. Dominic opened a convent in Prouille for women converts from Albigensianism. The priests he placed in charge of the convent were the core of his new order. In 1208, Peter of Castelnau, the papal legate, was murdered by the Albigensians. Pope Innocent III subsequently started a crusade to put an end to the heresy. Simon IV de Monfort headed this seven-year campaign. Dominic accompanied the army to preach to the Albigensians, without success. In 1214, Simon IV de Montfort gave him a castle at Caseneuil. There Dominic and six companions founded the Order of Preachers. A the Twelfth General Council (Fourth Council of the Lateran, 1215) the order was denied approval, but the next year Pope Honorius III granted Dominic his approval and blessings. Dominic spent the last years of his life organizing the order. He traveled throughout Italy, Spain and France. The Dominicans relied upon the usual religious customs and traditions but provided intellectual pursuits that attracted great scholars. The Dominicans also observed the ascetical spirit of the era, as well as genuine zeal in reaching the common people. With the Franciscans, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, the Dominicans formed the “Mendicants,” a daring venture that broadened the Church’s appeal. Dominic convened the first general council of the Order of Preachers in Bologna, Italy, in 1220. He died there on August 8, the following year. He was canonized in 1234. His feast day is August 8. Next Item Previous Item

St. Teresa Margaret was born Anna Maria Redi in Arezzo on July 15, 1747. She was inspired by St. Teresa of Avila to join the Discalced Carmelites in Florence, where she became Sister Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Deeply moved by the verse “God is love” (1 John 4:16), she dedicated her short life to prayer and caring for elderly nuns. She died of peritonitis at age 22 on March 7, 1770. Her body, which emitted a sweet fragrance, remains incorrupt in Florence. She is remembered for her profound love and humility. St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart Time Period: 1747-1770 Feast Day: September 1 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Carmelite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Body Anna Maria Redi was born in Arezzo on 15 July 1747. She attended the monastery of Santa Apollonia in Florence as a pupil until 1764. Decisive for her vocation was the inspiration attributed to Saint Teresa of Avila, thanks to which she chose Carmel. She entered the Carmelite monastery in Florence on September 1, 1764 and took the habit of the Discalced Carmelites on March 11, 1765, taking the name of Sister Teresa Margaret of the Heart of Jesus. The second great inspiration of his life was the passage from the first letter of John, "God is love" (1 John 4:16) and he tried to live by this concept. She then devoted herself to prayer and to assisting her elderly sisters until, very young (not even 23 years old), she died of peritonitis on 7 March 1770. Her body gave off a sweet perfume and is still preserved incorrupt today in the church of the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Florence, where she was buried. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on March 19, 1934. https://www.causesanti.va/it/santi-e-beati/teresa-margherita-redi.html Next Item Previous Item

Saint Benedict the Moor lived a life of the Beatitudes. Born to two African slaves and illiterate, he later possessed a knowledge of Sacred Scripture and theology that astonished priests and scholars. Facing persecution throughout his life from being “il Moro,” or dark skinned, he is remembered for his racial tolerance. Joining a society of hermits at the age of 21, he eventually worked as a cook at a Franciscan friary before becoming the Guardian of the community. He endured the taunts of racial prejudice, refused to be hindered by illiteracy, and humbly served the Lord wherever he could. His feast day is April 4th. St. Benedict the Moor Time Period: 1526-1589 Feast Day: April 4 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Benedict the Moor lived a life of the Beatitudes. Born to two African slaves and illiterate, he would later possess a knowledge of Sacred Scripture and complex theological questions that astonished priests and scholars alike. Growing in fame for his miracles and teachings, he was meek, and chose to travel at night to avoid recognition. Facing persecution throughout his life due to being “il Moro,” or dark skinned, he chose to be a peacemaker, and is remembered for his racial tolerance. Benedict was born in 1526 in Italy, most likely near San Fratello. His parents, Cristoforo and Diana Manasseri were Africans who were captured and taken as slaves to San Fratello, located near Sicily. After they arrived in Italy, they both converted to Catholicism, prior to the birth of Benedict. Thanks to his parents “loyal service” as slaves, Benedict was born free from slavery. Like most peasants, he didn’t attend school, and instead worked as a shepherd through his youth. Even at a young age, he had a heart for the poor, and gave most of what he earned to those in need. Benedict was often subject to persecution and ridicule due to his race and his parents’ servitude. Despite being the object of frequent humiliation, he bore these insults with dignity, patience and even cheerfulness. By the age of 10, he had become known as “The Holy Black” in Italy. It was Benedict’s gentleness and peaceful nature that one day attracted the attention of Jerome Lanzi, a member of a group of hermits from nearby Monte Pellegrino. The twenty-one-year-old Benedict was encouraged to join the independent society of hermits, who lived under the Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi. Lanzi, a former nobleman who had left his former life to join the hermits, succeeded in convincing Benedict to join and he soon sold the few possessions he had and joined their monastic group. For many years, he happily worked in the kitchen as a lay brother, serving as an exceptional cook. When the superior of the order passed away, 28 year-old Benedict, agreed to become the new superior, and the community prospered under his leadership. Following the third Council of Trent in 1564, Pope Pius IV announced a decree for all independent hermit societies to disband. Considering that the Benedict-led hermits were adhering to the Rule of St. Francis, they followed the Pope’s encouragement to join Franciscan orders. Benedict would become a member of the Order of the Friars Minor, and travel to Palermo to the Franciscan Friary of St. Mary of Jesus. He initially returned to the kitchen to continue his work as a cook, and he quickly became known for his miraculous ability to “multiply the food” and feed more people despite a limited amount of food available. Over the years, Benedict would rise in ranks at the friary, advancing to Master of Novices before becoming the Guardian of the community, a significant leadership role, in 1578. This was especially notable due to the fact that Benedict was still illiterate – and thus he was unable to become a priest due to the requirement of priests and religious figures being able to read and write. Nonetheless, he soon displayed a vast and deep understanding of theology and scripture, and word of his knowledge and sanctity began to spread outside Palermo. Benedict became known for his many gifts and miracles, one of them including the apparent ability to read the minds of others. This created large groups of lay people, clergy, and curious Italians far and wide flocking to his side, seeking his counsel. Benedict disliked the attention though, and always tried to travel at night when he could. When daytime trips were unavoidable, he would cover his face with a hood. Benedict continued to serve the friary faithfully as a lay person, drawing people every day to hear his teachings of the scripture, experience his healing abilities, and just be in the presence of a man of divine wisdom and compassion. Towards the end of his life, Benedict asked to be relieved of his offices, and return to his favorite work: cooking in the kitchen. He resumed his duties as cook but had nearly every day interrupted by crowds who continued to seek alms, advice, prayers and cures for their illnesses. Around the age of 63, it was Benedict himself who fell ill and on the exact date and time that he had predicted, he passed away in Palermo. He was initially buried in a large tomb inside the friary church, but would have his body exhumed twice, with King Phillip III of Spain creating a shrine for Benedict in Palermo, Italy, and his body was placed in the shrine in 1611. His remains were discovered to be without any noticeable signs of decay, and his relics are still considered incorrupt to this day. Saint Benedict the Moor showed others that God doesn’t always call the qualified, but he qualifies the called. He endured the taunts of racial prejudice, refused to be hindered by his illiteracy, and humbly served the Lord whether he was leading in the front or cooking in the back. He had every opportunity to become prideful, arrogant, angry or impatient – instead, he handed what he had to the Lord, and then leaned into the gifts the Lord provided in return. Next Item Previous Item

Find food assistance at St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry in Spring, TX. View pantry hours, service areas, current needs, and how to receive or volunteer. St. Anthony's Bread Food Pantry When we are open Pantry Hours Tuesday • 8 AM - 10 AM Thursday • 8 AM - 10 AM Saturday • 8 AM - 10 AM *The pantry will close earlier than stated when we run out of food. Each family must allow a minimum of 14 days between visits. Pantry Closures The St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry will be closed for distribution on: July 4 November 24 November 26 November 28 December 22 December 24 December 26 December 29 December 31 January 2 Current Needs Peanut Butter Canned tuna, chicken, or salmon How We Help St. Anthony’s Bread is the food pantry of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Serving thousands of families every month, we are proud to help support our community by providing nutritious meals to those in need. The street address to use for GPS location services such as Google Maps or Apple Maps is 7985 Bay Branch Dr, Spring, TX 77382 Our Food Pantry serves families with an address located in the following Montgomery County zip codes: 77301, 77302, 77303, 77304, 77305, 77306, 77316, 77318, 77328, 77333, 77339, 77353, 77354, 77355, 77356, 77357, 77362, 77365, 77372, 77373, 77375, 77377, 77378, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77387, 77388, 77389, 77393 ARE YOU NEW TO OUR PANTRY? At your first visit, our volunteers will ask you to provide a valid identification or a utility/service bill containing your name and address. If the address is one of the zip codes listed above, you will fill out a short registration form (available in both English and Spanish), which is then used to create your ID card to be presented each time you come to the pantry. We ask you to wait 14 days between visits. Become A Volunteer Are you looking for a place to offer your time and talent in our parish? Many Volunteers are needed for the daily operations of the St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry. Saturday volunteers need to register through Planning Center. For weekday volunteering (Monday to Friday), individuals can simply show up at 7 a.m., provided they are certified. Help is needed in the following tasks: Unload truck deliveries from different vendors. Sort food donations received, stock shelves. Pre-pack bags of food. Deliver bags/boxes of food to those in need by loading cars on food delivery days. Volunteer with us! Must be 6 years old and over. Ages 6-16 must be accompanied by a Safe Environment complaint parent. If you are 18+ and older, you must be Safe Environment certified. Safe Environment Training Link Questions about Safe Environment compliance? Contact safe@ap.church Once certified, volunteers are welcome to volunteer from Monday-Saturday from 7 AM - 10 AM. Questions about volunteering? Contact Adriana Flower Learn More Sign up to Volunteer If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. -- Saint Teresa of Calcutta Donate to Food Pantry Community Resources Contact Food Pantry BACK TO TOP

Andrew, whose name is Greek for "courage" or "virility," was the son of a Galilean fisherman named Jonas and the brother of Simon Peter. Andrew lived in Capernaum, and was a follower of St. John the Baptist before being called by Christ. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah and introduced him to his brother Simon Peter. With Peter, James the Elder, and John, Andrew formed the inner circle of Jesus' Apostles. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patrae. Andrew was tied, not nailed, to his cross, so that his suffering would be prolonged. His martyrdom was believed to have taken place on November 30th in 60 AD. His feast day is November 30th. St. Andrew the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: November 30 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Andrew was Saint Peter's brother and was called with him. "As [Jesus] was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is now called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:18-20). Saint John the Evangelist presents Saint Andrew as a disciple of John the Baptist. When Jesus walked by one day, John said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus. "Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to him, 'Rabbi' (which translated means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come, and you will see.' So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day." (John 1:38-39a). Little else is said about Saint Andrew in the Gospels. Before the multiplication of the loaves, it was Saint Andrew who spoke up about boy who had the barley loaves and fishes (see John 6:8-9). When the Gentiles went to see Jesus, they came to Philip, but Philip had recourse to Andrew (see John 12:20-22). Legend has it that Saint Andrew preached the Good News in what is now modern Greece and Turkey and was crucified at Patras. The Gospels give us little about the holiness of Saint Andrew. He was an Apostle. That is enough. He was called personally by Jesus to proclaim the Good News, to heal with Jesus' power and to share his life and death. Saint Andrew was martyred and crucified. He asked to be nailed to a cross different from the Cross of Jesus. In his case it was a diagonal or X-shaped cross, which has thus become known as Saint Andrew's Cross. 1 Foley, Leonard, and Pat McCloskey. Saint of the Day. 7th ed., Franciscan Media, 2013. Next Item Previous Item

St. Papias was the Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, Asia Minor (Modern Turkey) in the first century. Little is known about him beyond the fragments of his own writings and the statements of St. Irenaeus that he was a companion of St. Polycarp and "a man of long ago." His own work, Expositions on the Oracles of the Lord, is preserved only through quotations found in Irenaeus and Eusebius of Caesarea. Papias was martyred around 130 AD. St. Papias of Hierapolis Time Period: 60-130 Feast Day: February 22 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Papias was the Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, Asia Minor (Modern Turkey) in the first century. Little is known about him beyond the fragments of his own writings and the statements of St. Irenaeus that he was a companion of St. Polycarp and "a man of long ago." His own work, Expositions on the Oracles of the Lord, is preserved only through quotations found in Irenaeus and Eusebius of Caesarea. Papias was martyred around 130 AD. Next Item Previous Item

Jesus Forsaken March 2027 Monthly Meeting View Session Session Transcript Monthly Meeting View Session Session Transcript 2 Cor 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, a gentle Father and the God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our sorrows, so that we can offer others, in their sorrows, the consolation that we have received from God ourselves" Matthew 27:46: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" This month we will focus on transforming suffering into love. In his abandonment, Jesus redeems us by identifying himself with every human suffering, especially with the universal human experience of feeling distant from God. Each of our small and big sufferings can be a kind of sacrament through which we encounter and embrace this same Jesus, finding resurrection through each little death. It is the unfathomable paradox of God crying out to God, Jesus feeling abandoned by the Father, the same Father with Whom He had claimed to be one. Jesus’ heroic love through this ordeal, entrusting himself into the Father’s hands, gives us a glimpse into the life among the Persons in the Trinity - a reciprocal self-emptying agapeic love which generates and glorifies the Other. We are invited to live this same love on earth, until its fulfillment - That all may be one. MONTHLY GATHERING: Monday, March 8, 2027 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Located in the Main Church The speaker will be Dr. Bill Neu ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Bill Neu is a theologian, philosopher, and consecrated member of the Work of Mary (also known as the Focolare Movement or Hearth Movement), an international Catholic movement whose spirituality is centered on the unity for which Christ prayed: “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). Dr. Neu brings an exceptional breadth of academic and theological formation to his ministry. He holds a BA in Sociology, an MBA, an MA in Theology, an MA in Philosophy, and a PhD in Moral Theology. His doctoral dissertation examined religious freedom through a comparative study of Dignitatis Humanae  and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, engaging in particular the work of the distinguished Catholic theologian John Courtney Murray. As part of his scholarly work, Dr. Neu coordinated the English translation and served as editor of Msgr. Piero Coda’s From the Trinity , published by The Catholic University of America Press in 2020. Msgr. Coda currently serves as Secretary-General of the International Theological Commission, which assists the Holy See, particularly the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in its theological work. Dr. Neu’s collaboration on this significant theological publication reflects the depth and breadth of his own theological scholarship. Rooted deeply in the Catholic intellectual tradition, Dr. Neu’s scholarship and ministry are also marked by a particular passion for the dialogues in which the Catholic Church is engaged - ecumenical, interreligious, cultural, and educational. This breadth of experience makes him especially well-suited to lead us into one of the most profound mysteries of Christ’s Passion: Jesus Forsaken . In Jesus’ experience of abandonment on the Cross, we encounter the depth of God’s love and discover a path toward communion, reconciliation, and unity - the very unity for which Christ prayed.