St. John Berchmans was a Jesuit priest, confessor, and patron saint of altar servers. The eldest son of a shoemaker, John was born in Diest, Belgium, and entered the newly founded Jesuit college at Malines, in 1615. In 1618, he was sent to Rome and became known for his intense holiness. He died at the age of twenty-two after displaying heroic fidelity as a religious. Many miracles were reported after his death, and he was canonized in 1888. St. John Berchmans Time Period: 1599-1621 Feast Day: August 13 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Jesuit Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Piece of Cassock (Clothing) St. John Berchmans was a Jesuit priest, confessor, and patron saint of altar servers. The eldest son of a shoemaker, John was born in Diest, Brabant, and entered the newly founded Jesuit college at Malines, in 1615. In 1618, he was sent to Rome and became known for his intense holiness. He died at the age of twenty-two after displaying heroic fidelity as a religious. Many miracles were reported after his death, and he was canonized in 1888. Next Item Previous Item

St. Louis de Marillac was a foundress and patroness of social workers. She was born in France and later married Anthony Le Gras who unfortunately died in 1625. As a widow, she then met St. Vincent de Paul and assumed the task of directing the Ladies of Charity. In 1633, she opened her home to train workers for the poor, founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, which received formal approval in 1655. Louise traveled throughout France to establish orphanages, hospitals, and other services for the poor, founding forty houses before she died on March 15. St. Louise de Marillac Time Period: 1591-1660 Feast Day: March 15 Title/Attributes: Widow, Mother, Foundress Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Clothing St. Louis de Marillac was a foundress and patroness of social workers. She was born in France and later married Anthony Le Gras who unfortunately died in 1625. As a widow, she then met St. Vincent de Paul and assumed the task of directing the Ladies of Charity. In 1633, she opened her home to train workers for the poor, founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, which received formal approval in 1655. Louise traveled throughout France to establish orphanages, hospitals, and other services for the poor, founding forty houses before she died on March 15. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal on August 14, 1195. Born into a wealthy family, he left home at age 15 to become an Augustinian Canon. Around 1220 AD, he was inspired by the faith of some Franciscan martyrs, and joined the Franciscan Order. While living in Italy, his preaching and energetic defense of the Catholic faith earned him the nickname “The Hammer of Heretics.” He led the friars in Northern Italy for many years before his death in 1231. He was officially recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1946. His feast day is June 13th. St. Anthony of Padua Time Period: 1195-1231 Feast Day: June 13 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Franciscan Location of Relic: Main Church - Near St. Anthony Statue Type of Relic: Piece of Clothing Saint Anthony of Padua, a holy miracle worker, humble preacher, and Doctor of the Church was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal on August 14, 1195. Born into a wealthy family, his father was a captain in the royal army in what would one day become Portugal. Fernando’s journey as a servant of Christ began at a young age, when he left home at age 15 to become an Augustinian Canon. He studied theology and latin at the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra, before being named guestmaster of the abbey at 19 years old. Around that same time, some of the first members of the Order of the Friars Minor, which St. Francis had founded in 1206 AD, traveled to Coimbra to reside in a small hermitage outside of town. Fernando was attracted to their simple, evangelical lifestyle. Around 1220 AD, some of these friars went as missionaries to preach the Gospel in Morocco, where they were brutally killed for their faith. The bodies of the Franciscan martyrs were recovered, with their relics returning to Coimbra. Upon seeing the relics, Fernando felt an intense longing to join the Franciscan order, so that he too could set out and become one of those closest to Jesus: those who die for the Good News. Moved by the martyr’s heroic example, Fernando begged his superiors to allow him to depart, eventually receiving permission to join the Franciscan Order in their small hermitage in Olivais. He changed his name to Anthony, taken from the name of the chapel located at the hermitage, named in honor of Anthony the Great. In the same year he joined the Order, Anthony was sent on mission to Morocco to preach to the Moors. Shortly after arriving though, Anthony was struck with a severe illness, leaving him grievously weak. Resigned to return home, he boarded a ship back to Portugal. Unexpectedly, a storm drove the ship off-course, and the boat landed in Sicily. Anthony was given shelter by the Franciscans there, eventually residing in a quiet convent near Forli, where he spent most of his time praying, reading Scripture and doing small tasks around the kitchen. That all changed though, when Anthony attended an ordination ceremony, and the priest who was to give the sermon fell sick. One of the Franciscan superiors quickly asked the friars in attendance to fill in, but one-by-one, they excused themselves. Finally, Anthony was called upon, and in his humble nature, he accepted, and proceeded to speak with incredible eloquence, learning and passion that all in attendance were amazed. St. Francis took notice of Anthony’s preaching abilities, and commissioned him to not only preach throughout Italy, but also to teach theology to the other friars. Many traveled from far away to hear Anthony’s preaching, which was leading way to miracles left and right. Three stories in particular helped shape the legend of St. Anthony. First, his energetic defense of the Catholic faith led many lost heretics to return to the church, thus earning the nickname “Hammer of Heretics”. Secondly, one novice at the hermitage decided to leave the hermitage, and stole one of Anthony’s valuable books he used for teaching. When Anthony discovered it missing, he prayed it would be found or returned swiftly. Not only did the thief return the book, but he also returned to join the Order as well! Lastly, while staying the night at a man’s home, Anthony was found by the man holding in his arms the Child Jesus, surrounded by heavenly light. This is the reason St. Anthony is often depicted holding a young Jesus in his arms. He led the friars in Northern Italy for many more years before settling in the city of Padua to continue preaching and serving the Lord up to his death. Anthony fell ill and on June 13th, 1231 AD, received the last sacraments, all the while smiling in the distance saying “I see my Lord”. He died at 36 years old. St. Anthony of Padua is one of the quickest canonized Saints in the history of the Catholic Church, with Pope Gregory IX declaring him among the saints the very next year. He was revered by many for helping those who had lost God find Him again, and still today, many pray to Anthony to help them in finding what is lost. In 1946, Pope Pius XII officially recognized him as a Doctor of the Church. 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

Carlo Acutis was a devout young Catholic and Apostle of the Eucharist. Known for his deep faith, computer skills, and joyful spirit, he combined his love for technology with devotion to the Eucharist. After receiving First Communion at age 7, he attended daily Mass, practiced charity, and created a website on Eucharistic miracles (miracolieucaristici.org) He was admired for his kindness, catechetical work, and Marian devotion. At 15, Carlo died from leukemia, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope. His legacy inspires youth to pursue holiness and embrace Christ, especially through the Eucharist and acts of love. St. Carlo Acutis Time Period: 1991-2006 Feast Day: October 12 Title/Attributes: Confessor Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: From the linen Carlo Acutis was born in London (Great Britain) on May 3, 1991, to Italian parents: Andrea and Antonia Salzano, who were in the City for work. He was baptized on May 18 in the church of “Our Lady of Dolours” in London. In September 1991 the family returned to Milan. At the age of four, his parents enrolled him in nursery school, which he attended with great enthusiasm. When the time came for compulsory schooling, he was enrolled at the San Carlo Institute in Milan. After three months he was transferred to primary school at the Tommaseo Institute of the Marcelline Sisters, because it was closer to his home. June 16, 1998 marked a decisive stage in his life: he received his first Communion, earlier than the usual age, thanks to a special permission from his spiritual director, Don Ilio Carrai, and Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, former personal secretary of Saint Paul VI. The celebration took place in the Monastery of the Romite of the Order of Saint Ambrose ad Nemus in Bernaga di Perego (Lecco). Another important milestone for Carlo was the Sacrament of Confirmation, on May 24, 2003, which was conferred on him in the church of Santa Maria Segreta, by Monsignor Luigi Testore, former secretary of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini and parish priest of San Marco in Milan. At fourteen, he went to the classical high school of the Leone XIII Institute in Milan, directed by the Jesuit Fathers, where he fully developed his personality. With a computer engineering student, he took care of the website of the Milanese parish to which he belonged. Although his studies were particularly demanding, he spontaneously decided to dedicate part of his time to preparing children for Confirmation, teaching Catechism in the parish of Santa Maria Segreta. That same year, he designed the new website for volunteering at the Leone XIII Institute, and promoted and coordinated the creation of commercials for volunteering by many classes as part of a national competition. He spent the entire summer of 2006 designing the website for this project, also organizing that of the Pontifical Academy “Cultorum Martyrum”. At the school of St. Francis of Assisi Because of his affability and cordial hilarity, Carlo was always the center of attention of his friends, also because he helped them in using the computer and its programs. There are many certificates of recognition of his computer skills and his complete willingness to make them available to his schoolmates and anyone who needed them, including family members. One of Carlo's characteristics was to spend most of his holidays in Assisi in a family home. In the Umbrian town, in addition to having fun with friends, he learned to know Saint Francis and Saint Clare. From the Poverello he learned to respect creation and to dedicate himself to the poorest. The examples of the Seraphic Father and Saint Anthony of Padua pushed him to practice charity towards the poor, the needy, the homeless, and immigrants, whom he also helped with the money saved from his weekly allowance. Love for the Eucharist and devotion to the Madonna The core of Carlo's spirituality was the daily encounter with the Lord in the Eucharist. He often repeated: "The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven!" This was the center of his entire existence spent in friendship with God. This translated, after his first Communion, into attending Mass every day, with the permission of his spiritual director. A great devotee of the apparitions and the message of Fatima, in imitation of the Little Shepherds, he offered small sacrifices for those who did not love the Lord Jesus present in the Eucharist. When, due to school commitments, he could not go to Mass, he made spiritual Communion. He also carried out a valuable work of apostolate among his schoolmates and friends, explaining to them the Eucharistic mystery with the use of the stories of the most important Eucharistic miracles that had occurred over the centuries. Thus, as an apostle of the Eucharist, Carlo chose to use his computer genius to design and create an international exhibition on “Eucharistic Miracles”. It is a large photographic exhibition with historical descriptions, which presents several of the main Eucharistic miracles (about 136) that have occurred over the centuries in countries around the world and recognized by the Church. The other fundamental pillar of Carlo's spirituality was devotion to the Madonna. This was expressed in the daily recitation of the Rosary, in the consecration to her Immaculate Heart and in the planning of a scheme of the pious exercise that he reproduced with his computer. He dedicated particular attention to the Last Things, which projected his existence into the reality of eternal life. Illness and death In October 2006, Carlo contracted type M3 leukemia, considered the most aggressive form, which was initially mistaken for a strong flu. He was admitted to the De Marchi Clinic in Milan. Later, due to the worsening of his condition, he was transferred to the San Gerardo hospital in Monza, where there is a specialized center for that type of leukemia. A few days before being admitted, he offered his life to the Lord for the Pope, for the Church, to go to Heaven. In the hospital, a priest administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to him. Some of the nurses and doctors who were treating him were edified by his acceptance of his illness and suffering. Brain death occurred on October 11, 2006; his heart stopped beating at 6:45 a.m. on October 12. The news of his birth into Heaven spread immediately among his classmates and those who had known him. After his body was laid to rest in his home, a continuous influx of people paid him their last respects. The funeral was held in the church of Santa Maria Segreta in Milan on 14 October 2006. His body was buried in the family tomb in Ternengo (Biella), then in February 2007 it was transferred to the municipal cemetery of Assisi to satisfy his wish to remain in the city of Saint Francis. On 5-6 April 2019, Carlo's mortal remains were transferred to the Santuario della Spogliazione, church of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Assisi. Traits of spirituality In the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Carlo learned to recognize God's love for humanity. In it he found the quickest way to access the treasures of divine grace and it made him a faithful disciple of the Master. In love with Jesus, he never tired of announcing to the world the indescribable joy of friendship with God. The real presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated Host was for Carlo a reality from which every good thing came to him. It was also the guarantee that man is never left alone, not even in the hardest moments of trial. His days therefore became centered around the Mass and, when he could, he also stopped in Eucharistic adoration. In his short life, he continually put evangelical values into practice, making himself a herald of Christ not only with words, but above all with the testimony of his life. Carlo's Legacy As a young layman, he was able to revive the fervor and Christian practice in many consecrated people and Priests. He lived entirely focused on the Absolute, on Jesus who he felt close and present. He was also a witness in the school environment, as a model for students of all levels. The main legacy that Carlo left, especially to the new generations, is the coherence of life with the values of the Gospel. Precisely because of his ability to share the mysteries of faith with others, Carlo can be defined as a true apostle in all the environments in which he lived, which are typical of an adolescent: family, school, sports, free time, travel, games. In particular, to children and young people of all times, Carlo indicates that in the Eucharist is found the salvation that never disappoints. Living intensely the mystery of the Mystical Body of Christ, he shows everyone the need to practice charity. In fact, he promoted acceptance and peace between people of different ethnic groups, languages and traditions. He asked to embrace the needs of the homeless and the poorest that are encountered on the streets of the world. In the face of violence, wars, conflicts even within families, Carlo suggests opting for Christ and his Gospel and entrusting oneself to the maternal protection of Mary. An authentic witness of Christ in all the environments in which he lived, his existence is a shining example for today's youth. In fact, the message that Carlo transmits to the new generations is more important and timely than ever. He invites us not to look at the limited earthly horizon, but to project life towards a reality that already begins in this world and will have its fulfillment in the afterlife. Next Item Previous Item

St. Benedict of Nursia was an influential monk and the founder of Western monasticism. Born in Italy, he sought a life of solitude and prayer, eventually establishing a monastic community at Monte Cassino. There, he wrote the Rule of St. Benedict, a guide for monastic life emphasizing balance, moderation, and obedience. The Rule shaped Western monastic practices, stressing communal living, work, and prayer. Benedict’s teachings spread across Europe, profoundly influencing medieval monasticism and Western Christianity. The St. Benedict Medal conveys a message of trust in God’s power and His ability to overcome evil. St. Benedict of Nursia Time Period: 480-547 Feast Day: July 11 Title/Attributes: Abbot, Founder of Benedictines Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Benedict was born c. 480, in Nursia. He was the founder of the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino and father of Western monasticism; the Rule that he established became the norm for monastic living throughout Europe. In 1964, in view of the work of monks following the Benedictine Rule in the evangelization and civilization of so many European countries in the Middle Ages, Pope Paul VI proclaimed him the patron saint of all Europe. The only recognized authority for the facts of Benedict’s life is book 2 of the Dialogues of St. Gregory I, who said that he had obtained his information from four of Benedict’s disciples. Though Gregory’s work includes many signs and wonders, his outline of Benedict’s life may be accepted as historical. He gives no dates, however. Benedict was born of good family and was sent by his parents to Roman schools. His life spanned the decades in which the decayed imperial city became the Rome of the medieval papacy. In Benedict’s youth, Rome under Theodoric still retained vestiges of the old administrative and governmental system, with a Senate and consuls. In 546 Rome was sacked and emptied of inhabitants by the Gothic king Totila, and, when the attempt of Emperor Justinian I to reconquer and hold Italy failed, the papacy filled the administrative vacuum and shortly thereafter became the sovereign power of a small Italian dominion virtually independent of the Eastern Empire. Benedict thus served as a link between the monasticism of the East and the new age that was dawning. Shocked by the licentiousness of Rome, he retired as a young man to Enfide (modern Affile) in the Simbruinian hills and later to a cave in the rocks beside the lake then existing near the ruins of Nero’s palace above Subiaco, 64 km (40 miles) east of Rome in the foothills of the Abruzzi. There he lived alone for three years, furnished with food and monastic garb by Romanus, a monk of one of the numerous monasteries nearby. When the fame of his sanctity spread, Benedict was persuaded to become abbot of one of these monasteries. His reforming zeal was resisted, however, and an attempt was made to poison him. He returned to his cave, but again disciples flocked to him, and he founded 12 monasteries, each with 12 monks, with himself in general control of all. Patricians and senators of Rome offered their sons to become monks under his care, and from these novices came two of his best-known disciples, Maurus and Placid. Later, disturbed by the intrigues of a neighboring priest, he left the area, while the 12 monasteries continued in existence. A few disciples followed Benedict south, where he settled on the summit of a hill rising steeply above Cassino, halfway between Rome and Naples. The district was still largely pagan, but the people were converted by his preaching. His sister Scholastica, who came to live nearby as the head of a nunnery, died shortly before her brother. The only certain date in Benedict’s life is given by a visit from the Gothic king Totila about 542. Benedict’s feast day is kept by monks on March 21, the traditional day of his death, and by the Roman Catholic Church in Europe on July 11. Benedict’s character, as Gregory points out, must be discovered from his Rule, and the impression given there is of a wise and mature sanctity, authoritative but fatherly, and firm but loving. It is that of a spiritual master, fitted and accustomed to rule and guide others, having himself found his peace in the acceptance of Christ. ”Saint Benedict of Nursia.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Benedict-of-Nursia Next Item Previous Item

St. Lucy of Syracuse was a noble-born Christian martyr from Sicily. After refusing an arranged marriage and giving her wealth to the poor, her pagan fiancé reported her to authorities. She was arrested, tortured, and executed for refusing to renounce her faith. Lucy is often depicted holding her eyes on a plate. One tradition says her eyes were removed by persecutors; another claims she removed them herself to preserve her chastity. Miraculously, her eyes were restored before burial. Revered for her courage and purity, St. Lucy is one of the few virgin martyrs listed in the Eucharistic Prayer. St. Lucy of Syracuse Time Period: 283-304 Feast Day: December 13 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Lucy of Syracuse is one of the most famous virgin martyrs in the Church. She was born of noble Roman blood in Syracuse, Sicily in 283. After Lucy’s father passed away, her mother was concerned about her daughter’s future and arranged her marriage to a young pagan man. Lucy then convinced her mother to allow her to distribute a large portion of her riches to the poor. Lucy’s betrothed was outraged she was giving her patrimony away and turned her into the Governor of Syracuse. The Governor ordered her to burn a pagan sacrifice, when Lucy refused, he sentenced her to die. She was subjected to hideous torments, including burning and stabbing. There are two traditions as to why Lucy is depicted holding her eyes on a plate. The first tradition states that before she died, she prophesized the downfall of the Governor and the end of the persecution of Christians. The Governor was enraged and commanded his guards to remove her eyes. The second tradition states that she plucked her own eyes out to discourage a persistent suitor. After her death, as her body was being prepared for burial, it was discovered that her eyes were miraculously restore and intact. Saint names in Eucharistic Prayer I. The first list begins with Mary and Joseph and then the “blessed Apostles and Martyrs,” including Peter, Paul, Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (“the Greater”: the brother of John), John, Thomas, James (“the Lesser”: the son of Alpheus), Matthew, Bartholomew, Simon (“the Zealot”), and Jude (also called Thaddeus). The First List of Saint Names Continuing this first list of saints in Eucharistic Prayer I, as Charles Belmonte notes, “Five popes head the list: St. Peter’s first three successors, Linus, Cletus, Clement; then two popes of the third century, Sixtus II and Cornelius; Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, the intrepid defender of Catholic unity; the deacon Lawrence, who when his persecutor demanded from him the ‘treasures’ of the Church, showed him hundreds of poor people; Chrysogonus, a Roman priest who carried out the holy work of comforting the Christians who were in prison; two brothers, John and Paul, both officers of the [Roman] imperial palace, who were put to death under [the emperor] Julian the Apostate; and lastly, Cosmas and Damian, two Oriental physicians who gave their aid freely, and at whose graves there occurred ‘yet more cures than they had effected in their lives’” (Understanding the Mass, p. 158). The Second List of Saint Names As for the second list of saints in Eucharistic Prayer I, we ask for “some share in the fellowship” of several saints who were martyrs. Belmonte continues, “It mentions, in the first place, John (here obviously St. John the Baptist), and then seven men, followed by seven women, all martyrs. Stephen is the first deacon, whose glorious martyrdom is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles (6:8-7:60). Two apostles come next: Matthias, elected to take the place of Judas (Acts 1:15-16) and probably left out of the first list so as not to exceed the number of twelve, and Barnabas, St. Paul’s companion in his first missionary journey. Ignatius is the famous bishop of Antioch, sentenced to be fed to the wild beasts in Rome under [emperor] Trajano. Besides their names and the place of their martyrdom, little else is known of Alexander, the priest Marcellinus, and the exorcist Peter, who were all put to death in the great persecution of [emperor] Diocletian. The list continues with the names of the two young girls, Felicity and Perpetua (their names form the expression ‘everlasting happiness’), who confessed their faith at Carthage [in North Africa]; and of Agatha and Lucy in Sicily. It concludes with the names of two young martyrs beloved by the Romans, Agnes and Cecelia; and of Anastasia, martyred at Sirmium and later honored in Rome” (Understanding the Mass, pp. 159–160). All these saints are important because they were among the many early witnesses to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. These are our spiritual fathers, our older brothers and sisters in Christ, who showed us that our faith was worth living and dying for. They showed us that, strengthened by the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, they could overcome any persecutions and sufferings, even to the point of being killed. These saints give us great hope, and their prayers for us give us confidence that we, too, can live out the faith as they did, that we can live our life in Christ every day and look forward to the glory of heaven! https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/do-this-in-remembrance-of-me-part-55-saint-names-epi Next Item Previous Item

St. Gertrude the Great, born in Eisleben, Germany, was a Benedictine mystic and esteemed spiritual writer. Entrusted to the nuns of Helfta at age five, she became a disciple of St. Mechtilde. At twenty-six, she experienced her first vision of Christ, which deepened her mystical spirituality. Gertrude authored "Exercitia Spiritualia" and the "Legatus Divinae Pietatis", profound works of Christian devotion and theology. Alongside St. Mechtilde, she promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Deeply revered by St. Teresa of Avila, she became the patroness of the West Indies and died on November 17, 1302. St. Gertrude the Great Time Period: 1256-1302 Feast Day: November 16 Title/Attributes: Abbess, Benedictine Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Gertrude the Great was a Benedictine mystic, patroness of the West Indies, much and revered by St. Teresa of Avila. Gertrude was born in Eisleben, Germany, and was placed with the Benedictine nuns of Helfta in Saxony at the age of five, becoming a student of St. Mechtilde. As a nun, Gertrude had her first vision of Christ at the age of twenty-six. She authored the Exercita Spiritualia, a collection of prayers, and the highly respected Legatus Divinae Pietatis, a magnificent expression of Christian mysticism; Gertrude herself wrote the Second Book of the Legatus, the other portions being written from her notes. With St. Mechtilde, she wrote prayers that spread devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She died on November 17, 1302. Next Item Previous Item

St. Philip Benizi, born in 1233 in Florence, was a nobleman educated in Paris and Padua, earning doctorates in medicine and philosophy. He joined the Servite Order in 1253 and was ordained in 1259. A renowned preacher and reformer, he became prior general of the Servites in 1267. Despite being considered for the papacy, he humbly fled to avoid election. He attended the Council of Lyons, promoted peace, supported the founding of the Servite Third Order, and sent missionaries to the Far East. He died in Todi in 1285, remembered for his humility, leadership, and dedication to Church reform and unity. St. Philip Benizi Time Period: 1233-1285 Feast Day: August 23 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Servite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Philip Benizi was a Servite cardinal and preacher. He was born in 1233 in Florence, Italy to a noble family. He was educated in Paris and Padua, where he earned doctorates in medicine and philosophy. He practiced medicine for some time, but in 1253 he joined the Servite Order in Florence. He served as a lay brother until 1259, when his superiors directed him to be ordained. Philip soon became known as one of the foremost preachers of his era, becoming master of novices at Siena in 1262 and then superior of several friaries and prior general of the Servites against his own wishes in 1267. Reforming the order with zeal and patience, he was named as a possible candidate to become pope by the influential Cardinal Ottobuoni just before the election to choose a successor to Pope Clement IV. This possibility was so distressing to Philip that he fled and hid in a cave until the election was finally over. He attended the Council of Lyons in 1274 that brought about a brief reunion with the Orthodox, worked to bring peace between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines in 1279, assisted St. Juliana in founding the Third Order of Servites, and in 1284 dispatched the first Servite missionaries to the Far East. He retired to a small Servite house in Todi, where he died on August 22, 1285. Next Item Previous Item

Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forlì, Italy in 1260. As a teenager, Peregrine became a ringleader of rebels opposing the Pope. In 1283, Forlì was placed under a spiritual interdict by Pope Martin IV, who sent Philip Benizi, from the Order of Servites to Forlì. One day while Philip was preaching, Peregrine knocked him off a platform. Immediately remorseful, Peregrine cast himself down and begged the bloodied priest for forgiveness. Philip Benizi forgave Peregrine, who eventually converted to Catholicism and joined the Servites. Peregrine became known for his preaching in the area, earning the nickname “Angel of Good Counsel.” His feast day is May 1st. St. Peregrine Laziosi Time Period: 1260-1345 Feast Day: May 1 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Servite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Peregrine Laziosi, a rebellious soul who would one day attain sainthood, was born to a wealthy family in Forlì, Italy in the year 1260. In his teenage years, Peregrine joined an anti-papal party, soon becoming a ringleader of a group of rebels opposing the Pope in his hometown. In 1283, the residents of Peregrine’s town of Forlì were placed under a spiritual interdict (a ban prohibiting persons or groups from participating in certain Catholic rites) by Pope Martin IV, which closed the churches in the city, hoping to bring the citizens to their senses. The Pope sent Philip Benizi, from the Order of Servites (also known as the Servants of Mary) to Forlì, as his personal ambassador to try to preach the Gospel and bring peace to the angry rebels. One day while trying to preach, a group of the Peregrine-led rebels were heckling Philip, and the moment became so heated that Peregrine knocked Philip off the platform on which he was standing, with a strong blow to the face. While this could have easily been a turning-point down a dark and violent path for young Peregrine, instead, it was a wakeup call. Peregrine was so overcome with remorse for his actions towards Philip, that he repented, cast himself at the feet of the bruised and bloodied priest, and begged for forgiveness. Not only did Philip Benizi forgive Peregrine, but he would help him convert to Catholicism. Peregrine began engaging in good works, distancing himself from the rebels, and praying regularly in Our Lady’s chapel in the nearby cathedral. It was in the cathedral that he had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding out a black habit like those the Servites wore, and telling him “Go to Siena. There you will find devout men who call themselves my servants. Attach yourself to them.” The Servites welcomed him with open arms, with Philip Benizi himself ceremoniously handing Peregrine his new religious habit. He soon went on to be ordained a priest, before returning to his hometown to open a new Servite house, founded to care for the sick and the poor. Peregrine quickly became well known for his preaching in the area, earning the nickname “Angel of Good Counsel” for all of his wise advice which he freely gave to the people. He was also known for his personal penances, which he took on in reparation for the sinful ways of his past. To atone for his misdeeds, of his penances was standing whenever it was not necessary to sit. Peregrine would hardly ever be found in a chair, instead supporting himself on a choir stall when tired. By the age of 60, he had developed severe varicose veins in his leg from all the standing, and in turn, cancer in his foot. His leg rapidly deteriorated, with the severe pain leading him to visit a doctor, who solemnly told Peregrine that his leg needed to be amputated. Peregrine had no choice but to accept the diagnosis. The night before the scheduled surgery, Peregrine spent many hours in prayer before a crucifix, asking for God to heal him if it be His will. Eventually falling asleep, Peregrine had a vision of Jesus descending off the cross, to touch his leg. The vision startled Peregrine awake, only to look down at his foot and find it completely healed of the cancerous growth. The doctor who arrived to perform the amputation could find no sign of the cancer, and news spread of the miraculous cure throughout the town. Peregrine would go on to live another 20 years. He would pass away on May 1st, 1345, from a fever. Many who traveled across the countryside to honor his death were healed through his intercession. His body resides, still to this day, in the Servite church of Forlì. Pope Paul V declared him blessed in 1609 and Pope Benedict XIII canonized St. Peregrine in 1726. He was the patron saint for individuals suffering from cancer, AIDS, foot ailments, or other illnesses. St. Peregrine experienced a miraculous healing of his foot, but more importantly, a healing of his heart following a violent clash. He entrusted his life to the will of God, and was richly rewarded for his faith. Next Item Previous Item

Donor-Advised Fund A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-efficient way to support charitable causes. It functions as a charitable giving account that allows donors to contribute assets—such as cash or stocks—receive a tax deduction and then give to charities over time. Donor Advised Fund (DAF) A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-efficient way to support charitable causes. It functions as a charitable giving account that allows donors to contribute assets—such as cash, stocks, or other investments—receive an immediate tax deduction , and then recommend grants to qualified charities over time. It’s important to consider your tax situation before deciding whether to make a charitable contribution from your DAF. Be sure to share this gift plan with your advisor. How a DAF Works There are no specific age requirements to open or contribute to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) . Make a Contribution – Donors contribute to a DAF, which is held by a sponsoring organization (such as a community foundation or financial institution). The donation is irrevocable , meaning it cannot be withdrawn for personal use. Receive Immediate Tax Benefits – Donors can claim a tax deduction in the year they contribute, even if they distribute the funds to charities in future years. Gifts must be outright, meaning they go directly to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Our EIN is 76-0545136 . Distributions to donor-advised funds or life-income arrangements such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities do not qualify. TAX BENEFITS Immediate Tax Deduction – Reduces taxable income in the year of the donation. Tax-Free Growth – Investments within the DAF grow tax-free, increasing the potential impact of charitable giving. Simplifies Giving – Consolidates charitable donations into one account, making it easier to track contributions and distribute funds. Flexibility – Allows donors to contribute in high-income years and distribute grants over time, ensuring long-term charitable support ADDITIONAL DETAILS Provide instructions on the St Anthony Fund you would like your donation applied to: General Fund Parish Endowment Food Pantry Other Have your IRA Administrator direct your donation to: St. Anthony of Padua Attn: Development 7801 Bay Branch Drive The Woodlands, TX 77382 If you would like more information about planned and tax-advantaged giving, please contact Joe Corona @ jcorona@ap.church St. Anthony of Padua encourages donors to consult their retirement plan administrator, or their tax or financial advisor to determine whether this option would be advantageous based on your individual financial and tax circumstances. Next Item Previous Item