Giving Giving Options Thank you for supporting the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church! Below are different options for making a gift to our parish. For more information, check out the most commonly asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at support@ap.church . Contact Us Questions Giving FAQs How do I change my payment method? Unfortunately, our parish staff is not able to edit your scheduled recurring giving amount or payment method for you. This is for your protection. Find detailed instructions on how to edit your card number, edit a card expiration date, change your bank account, change the dollar amount or frequency of your recurring gift here . Looking for your annual giving statement? Statements for 2023 were emailed on Friday, January 26, 2024, to donor accounts with annual giving to the email address found on your PushPay account profile from the address of no-reply@pushpay.com . If we have an EMAIL address for your profile in the PushPay system, you will receive an ELECTRONIC statement by email delivery. Detailed instructions on how to log into your PushPay account can be found here. ALL DONORS, regardless of how they give, have an online PushPay account. If you give cash in a giving envelope OR by check, we have created a PushPay account on your behalf and can help you get logged in to see your transactions and download a statement. If we do not have an email address for your profile in the PushPay system, but we do have a USPS mailing address, you will receive a PAPER statement by postal mail delivery IF you had a single contribution greater than $250 and we have a USPS mailing address for the donor. If you do not have an email address on file in PushPay and you do not have a mailing address on file in PushPay, we are happy to send you a statement upon request. Send your inquiry to support@ap.church . Want to stop (or start) receiving envelopes? Do you give online but still receive Giving Envelopes? By choosing to give online instead of by envelope, you will save the parish money and cut the cost of printing and shipping! Let us know you no longer want to receive envelopes by filling out the Envelope Change Request Form. Can I set up a Corporate Matching Gift? Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations. When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Some companies have a policy against contributing to religious organizations, but will match donations made to institutions affiliated with houses of worship that provide a service to community members regardless of religious beliefs, such as St. Anthony’s Bread (the food pantry of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church). St. Anthony’s Bread is the 2nd largest distributor of food in Montgomery County, Texas. Please check with your employer to see if a Matching Gift can be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or to St. Anthony’s Bread. EIN is 76-0545136. How do you keep my information secure? Due to an increase in identity theft, the credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) have developed a security standard to help protect cardholder data. It is called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). When using the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay payment portal, your cardholder data is handled carefully as it is transmitted through the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay system to our Merchant Provider's system. Responsibility for the security of your cardholder data can be broken up into two categories. St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay are responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted through its systems. To ensure that your cardholder data is handled securely, St. Anthony of Padua has been assessed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and found to be compliant with the PCI DSS as a Level 1 Service Provider. Our Merchant Provider is responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted, stored, and processed on their systems. Merchant Providers also maintain compliance with the PCI DSS. IRA - Qualified Charitable Distribution A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) (also referred to as Charitable IRA Rollover Gifts) is an excellent way to show your support for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and receive tax benefits in return. More Information 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. More Information Stock Gifts To transfer a gift of securities submit a completed LETTER OF INTENT form to your broker, and to assure that your gift will be properly identified and applied to your intended purpose please send a copy to the Archdiocese. More Information

Amazing Grace Adaptive Praise & Evangelization (AGAPE) is a Bible Study for Adults (18+) with special needs. Weekly we explore the Sunday Mass readings through reflection, discussion, and interactive activities like games. Our time together helps deepen our understanding of Scripture in a joyful and supportive setting. Throughout the year, we also come together for fun social events. Bible Study Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us All Categories Bible Study Class Community Group Organization Devotion Retreat AGAPE Various Times English Only Bible Study Amazing Grace Adaptive Praise & Evangelization (AGAPE) is a Bible Study for Adults (18+) with special needs. Weekly we explore the Sunday Mass readings through reflection, discussion, and interactive activities like games. Our time together helps deepen our understanding of Scripture in a joyful and supportive setting. Throughout the year, we also come together for fun social events. More Information Cornerstone Evening Mondays at 6:30 PM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. This year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Cornerstone Morning Wednesdays at 9:45 AM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. This year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Scripture & Reflection Wednesdays at 7 AM English Only Bible Study Join us for the Wednesday Morning Daily Mass at 6:00 AM. Stay after Mass and enjoy some coffee and fellowship as you discuss the readings for the Day. More Information The Great Adventure Various Times English Only Bible Study The Great Adventure (TGA) bible study is designed in such a way that anyone can make sense of the Bible and experience the life-changing power of God’s word. TGA introduces Catholics to scripture, equipping them with a basic biblical literacy. There are multiple classes offered each semester. Register Walking With Purpose Wednesday Afternoons & Evenings English Only Bible Study Walking with Purpose Bible studies help women grow closer to Christ as they lean on truths found in Scripture to live joy-filled lives. Our Catholic Bible studies are unique in that they offer solutions found in the Bible that can be applied to our everyday lives and vary in length and depth to meet the needs of different women. Register BACK TO ADULT FAITH - GET INVOLVED BACK TO TOP

St. Damien de Veuster, a Belgian priest of the Sacred Hearts Fathers, heroically served the lepers of Molokai, Hawaii. Arriving in Honolulu in 1864 and ordained shortly after, he worked on the Big Island for eight years before volunteering in 1873 to minister to those exiled to Molokai with leprosy. Known for his fearless compassion, Damien embraced the lepers—physically and spiritually—becoming one of them in every way. He built churches, homes, and a sense of dignity. Contracting leprosy in 1876, he continued his mission until his death in 1889. His life remains a powerful witness to mercy and solidarity with the suffering. St. Damien of Molokai Time Period: 1840-1889 Feast Day: May 10 Title/Attributes: Confessor, SS.CC Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Wood from the Altar of St. Damien St. Damien de Veuster was called the hero of Molokai, a Belgian member of the Sacred Hearts Fathers who gave his life for the lepers of Hawaii. He was born in Tremeloo, Belgium and followed his brother, Auguste, called Pamphile, into the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, the Picpus Fathers. He took his final vows on October 7, 1860, and then volunteered as Pamphile’s replacement to the Hawaiian missions, even though he had not been ordained. Damien arrived in Honolulu on March 19, 1964, and was ordained two days later in the cathedral. Assigned to the island of Hawaii, called the Big Island, he spent eight years in a mission that covered two thousand square miles of cliffs, ravines, valleys and volcanoes. In January 1866, the Hawaiian royal government, recognizing that leprosy was spreading through the islands, exiled victims of the disease to a settlement on the island of Molokai. Damien volunteered to care for the victims. On May 10, 1873, he landed at Kalaupapa, Molokai, in the company of Bishop Louis Maigret, SS.CC. The Bishop introduced Damien to the 816 community members as “one who will be a father to you and who loves you so much that he does not hesitate to become one of you, to live and die with you”. Under horrifying conditions, he gave the rest of his life to the lepers. What surprised the lepers most was that Damien touched them. Other missionaries and doctors shrank from the lepers. In fact, one local doctor only changed bandages with his cane. But Damien not only touched the lepers, he also embraced them, he dined with them, he put his thumb on their forehead to anoint them, and he placed the Eucharist on their tongues. All of these actions spoke volumes to the dejected lepers. They showed that Damien didn’t want to serve them from afar; he wanted to become one of them. In 1876, the first symptoms of leprosy appeared in Damien’s left foot. He did not shrink from this cross, and he was thrilled to see the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by St. Marianne Cope, arrive to start an advanced medical clinic. Damien served his fellow lepers until his death in 1889. At the request of the Belgian government, his remains were returned to his homeland decades later. Next Item Previous Item

St. Rosa of Lima, born Isabel Flores de Oliva in 1586, was known for her devotion to the Virgin Mary and her love for Christ. After her family fell into poverty, she worked hard while bringing Christian values to her community. She dedicated her life to prayer, penance, and helping the needy, especially children and the elderly. Despite her desire for cloistered life, she lived as a Dominican tertiary in seclusion. Known for miracles and mortifications, she was canonized in 1671. Rosa is the first saint of the Americas, and patroness of Peru, Latin America, and the Philippines. St. Rose of Lima Time Period: 1586-1617 Feast Day: August 23 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Dominican Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Isabel Flores de Oliva was born in Lima on April 20, 1586, the tenth of thirteen children of the Flores de Oliva, Spanish nobles who had moved to Peru. It was her nurse Marianna, of Indian origin, who gave her the name Rosa because of the incredible beauty that characterized her. A name later confirmed at her confirmation and at the age of twenty when she wore the habit of the Third Order of Dominicans, like her model of life, Saint Catherine of Siena. The name "of Saint Mary" was then added to Rosa, to express the tender love that always tied her to the Virgin to whom she turned at every moment to ask for protection. Santa Rosa experienced poverty when her family fell into poverty due to the failure of her father's business; she worked hard as a maid, in the garden and as an embroiderer, until late at night, bringing the Word of Christ and her yearning for good and justice to the homes of buyers, which, in the Peruvian society of the time, crushed by colonizing Spain, seemed completely obscured. In her mother's house she created a sort of shelter for the needy, where she assisted abandoned children and elderly people, especially of Indian origin. Already as a child, Rosa aspired to consecrate herself to God in the cloistered life, but she remained a "virgin in the world" and as a Dominican tertiary she locked herself in a cell of a few square meters, built in the garden of her mother's house, from which she left only for religious functions and where she spent most of her days praying and in close union with the Lord. While praying before an image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus in her arms, one day Rosa heard a voice from that child that said to her: "Rosa, dedicate all your love to me ...". She had no doubts: from then on, Jesus was her exclusive love until death, a love cultivated in virginity, prayer and penance. She often repeated: "My God, you can increase suffering, as long as you increase my love for you". It is the redemptive meaning of the Passion of Christ that became clear to her: pain lived with faith redeems, saves. And the pain of man can be associated with the saving pain of Christ. It is an interior turning point that coincided with the reading of Saint Catherine, from whom she learned love for the blood of Christ and love for the Church. And it is precisely in her hermitage in the garden that Saint Rose relived in the flesh the passion of Jesus, with two intentions: the conversion of the Spaniards and the evangelization of the Indians. In fact, mortifications and corporal punishments of all kinds are attributed to her, but also many conversions and miracles. One of all, the failed invasion of the Dutch pirates in Lima in 1615. While she was still alive, Rosa was examined by a mixed commission of religious and scientific people who judged her mystical experiences as true "gifts of grace", so much so that at her death, due to the enormous crowd that attended her funeral, Rosa was already a saint. She died only after having renewed her religious vows, repeating several times: "Jesus, be with me!". It was the night of August 23, 1617. After her death, when her body was transported to the Chapel of the Rosary, the Madonna from that statue before which the Saint had prayed so many times smiled at her again, for the last time. The crowd present cried out a miracle. In 1668, Rosa was beatified by Pope Clement IX and canonized three years later. She is the first canonized saint of the New World and is the patron saint of Peru, of all Latin America, of the Indies and of the Philippines. She is invoked as the protector of florists and gardeners, against volcanic eruptions and also in case of wounds or for the resolution of family disputes. A Jubilee Year commemorated the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Rose with the motto: “400 years interceding for you,” in reference to the thousands of prayers that the Saint received and answered over the course of four centuries. https://www.causesanti.va/it/santi-e-beati/rosa-da-lima.html Next Item Previous Item

Illuminatus was likely martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. The Roman Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305) was severely anti-Christian and persecuted the Church and the early Christians. Many saints were martyred during this time and suffered greatly for their faith. Modern historians estimate that between 3,000 and 3,500 Christians were martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. St. Illuminatus Time Period: 3rd-4th Century Feast Day: No Assigned Date Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Illuminatus was likely martyred during the Reign of Diocletian. There were many martyrs during the “Diocletianic Era”. The Diocletianic Era was the unusual practice of reckoning time from the start of the reign of the bitterly anti-Christian Emperor Diocletian (r. 284–305). This is in recognition of the severe persecution of the Church under Diocletian and his colleagues in rule, Maximian (r. 286-305) and Galerius (r. 305-311), although the formal universal oppression did not commence until 303, the so-called Great Oppression. Another colleague, or junior emperor, Caesar Constantius I Chlorus (r. 293-306), was conspicuous for his leniency toward Christians. Next Item Previous Item

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

St. Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the twelve Apostles and one of the four Gospel writers. Born in Galilee, he worked as a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Christ. Matthew authored the first Gospel, likely written between 60 and 90, originally in Hebraic or Aramaic, possibly while in Antioch, Syria. He preached in Jerusalem and later in Ethiopia, where he was martyred. His Gospel portrays Christ’s genealogy, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah. In liturgical art, Matthew is often depicted with an angel holding a lance, coin, pen, or money box. St. Matthew the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: September 21 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Matthew is one of the twelve Apostles and one of the four Gospel writers. He is also called Levi, or Matthew the Levite. He was probably born in Galilee and worked as a tax collector at Capernaum (Matthew 9:9-13) when Christ called him to follow him (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-32). Matthew was the author of the first Gospel, written between 60 and 90. It was probably in Hebraic or in Aramaic in its original form. Some scholars believe Matthew was in Antioch, Syria, when he wrote the Gospel. He preached in Jerusalem and then went to Ethiopia, where he was martyred in Persia or in Ethiopia. Matthew provides a telling portrait of Christ in his Gospel, including his genealogy, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection. The entire work is designed to provide a true recognition of Christ as the Messiah. Matthew is represented in liturgical art by an angel holding a lance, a coin, a pen or a money box. Next Item Previous Item

St. Vitalis was among the Martyrs of the Thebian Legion. The members of a Roman Legion composed largely of Egyptians and serving in the army of co-Emperor Maximian (r. 286-305), colleague of the famed persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). While serving in France, the legion marched to Agaunum, where it encamped for pagan rituals. Maurice, a commander - along with Exuperius, Candidus, Innocent, Vitalis, two Victors, and the men of the legion - refused to worship pagan dieties, or possibly refused to massacre the local innocent people. Some of their officers were beheaded, but they refused to be pressured to obey and resolutely refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Reportedly, Maximian brought in another legion to slay the sixty-six hundred Christians. A basilica, St. Maurice en Valais, was built from about 369-391 to commemorate this remarkable martyrdom. St. Vitalis Time Period: d. 287 Feast Day: September 22 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Vitalis was among the Martyrs of the Thebian Legion. The members of a Roman Legion composed largely of Egyptians and serving in the army of co-Emperor Maximian (r. 286-305), colleague of the famed persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). While serving in France, the legion marched to Agaunum, where it encamped for pagan rituals. Maurice, a commander - along with Exuperius, Candidus, Innocent, Vitalis, two Victors, and the men of the legion - refused to worship pagan dieties, or possibly refused to massacre the local innocent people. Some of their officers were beheaded, but they refused to be pressured to obey and resolutely refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Reportedly, Maximian brought in another legion to slay the sixty-six hundred Christians. A basilica, St. Maurice en Valais, was built from about 369-391 to commemorate this remarkable martyrdom. Next Item Previous Item

When Constantine the Great seized control of Rome in 312, he soon converted to Christianity. His mother, Helena, also converted, and on her son’s authority, she traveled to Palestine to search for the sacred site of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Details regarding her discovery of the True Cross are lacking and often contradictory among many ancient writers, but the wood that was deemed to be the Cross of Jesus became coveted for centuries. Today only a few fragments of wood remain but are venerated as the ultimate symbol of love through the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Wood of the True Cross Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: September 14 Title/Attributes: Wood of the True Cross Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: A piece of Wood from the True Cross According to ancient historians, mass crucifixions occurred multiple times around the world, but by far the most famous crucifixion in the history of mankind took place in 1st century Judea, when Jesus Christ, a Nazarene, carried the heavy pinewood up to Golgotha, was nailed upon the cross, and then lifted, to lift humanity out of eternal damnation. As Catholics, we know what happens next. What you may not know, is what happened to that empty, bloodstained cross. The Roman Emperor Hadrian, who reigned A.D. 117-138, abolished the name Judea and renamed the area “Syria Palaestina” after a Jewish insurrection around the year 132. Hadrian forbade Jews from entering the area, and demolished any remaining temples, deciding instead to erect temples to pagan gods and goddesses on the top of Mount Calvary. It was this destruction and ensuing construction of new buildings on the landscape that ensured the preservation of the holy and sacred sites of Jesus’ crucifixion, deep below the ground. More than 40 Roman Emperors later, Constantine the Great seized control of Rome in 312. It was not a smooth transition of power though, and one of the emperors, Maxentius, declared war and marched into battle with an army twice the size of Constantine’s. When Maxentius and his forces arrived on the battlefield, they were greeted by an unfamiliar symbol facing them: a cross. Most historians tell of Constantine reportedly praying before the battle that the true God might “reveal to him who he is and stretch forth his right hand to save him.” Then, marching at midday, he suddenly looked up at the noonday sky to see a bright cross of light flash among the heavens, with an inscription upon it: “In Hoc Signo Vinces” or “In this Sign Conquer.” Constantine, bolstered with the assurance that the True God had indeed heard him, inscribed the cross on their shields before advancing on Maxentius, who held a much better position for the battle near the Milvian Bridge in Rome. Maxentius’ troops were broken before the first charge had completed and he was among those who were pushed into the Tiber River and drowned. After the battle, Constantine didn’t forget who helped earn him the victory. In 313, the Edict of Milan was created as an agreement among the Roman Empire to treat Christians benevolently. This was a monumental shift, since for almost 250 years, the persecution of Christians was the norm for Roman emperors. All that changed by Constantine issuing an order that not only should the Christian Church be tolerated just as other religions are, but he went so far as to build places of worship for Christians and be baptized himself. Around the same time of Constantine’s conversion, his mother Helena also became a Christian, and she traveled to Palestine in the year 324 to search for sacred sites and relics to be reverenced. Details regarding the discovery the True Cross are lacking and often contradictory among many ancient writers, but the basis of the story is generally accepted as this: Around 326, Helena was traveling the area when an aged Jewish man who had inherited traditional knowledge of the location of the True Cross heard of Helena’s searching. He guided her to a cistern that the Cross had purportedly been thrown into. But oddly enough, after a brief excavation, laying before Helena were three crosses. But which one had held Christ? Theodoret, a biblical commentator and Christian Bishop of Cyrrhus in the 400’s, wrote a detailed account of how it was determined which was the True Cross: A woman who was either close to death or who had long been suffering an affliction of sorts was brought from the city. She touched each cross in earnest prayer, attempting to “discern the virtue residing in that of the Savior.” Nothing happened upon touching the first and second cross, but as she touched the third and final cross, she was immediately healed. It was determined that this was the True Cross of Jesus Christ, upon which His precious Blood had spilled. According to tradition, this discovery took place on May 3, 326 A.D. The Wood of the True Cross would change hands multiple times over the centuries, with the last officially recorded mention of its location in 1219, when the True Cross was offered to the Knights Templar by the Sultan of Egypt, in exchange for a siege on the city of Damietta being lifted. However, the True Cross was never delivered; the Sultan did not actually have it. Last seen in the city of Damascus, the wood upon which Jesus had hung disappeared from historical records. Luckily, many relics of the True Cross remain in the world today. In those early years following the discovery of the True Cross, fragments had been divided and distributed widely among churches. “The whole earth is full of the relics of the Cross of Christ,” wrote Cyril of Jerusalem. By the Middle Ages, there were so many churches that claimed to possess a piece of the True Cross, that John Calvin famously quipped “if all the pieces that could be found were collected together, they would make a big ship-load.” While indeed forged relics were a common occurrence around the 11th century, a study conducted by Charles Rohault de Fleury, a French architect, compared the supposed weight of the cross carried by Jesus compared to the combined volume of all known relics. He concluded that the remaining fragments together again wouldn’t reach even one-third of the size of the original Cross. His calculations placed the original volume of the True Cross at 178 million cubic millimeters. However, the combined volume of all known relics of the True Cross amount to just about 4 million cubic millimeters, meaning that almost 98% of the True Cross is lost, destroyed, or otherwise unaccounted for. Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14, the anniversary of when the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was dedicated by Constantine. On Good Friday, Catholics around the world venerate the cross, the symbol of their salvation. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Renatus of Angers, or Saint René, is a lesser-known French saint whose story is closely tied to Saint Maurilius, bishop of Angers in the 5th century. According to legend, Renatus failed to baptize a dying child and, stricken with guilt, fled to England. After a miraculous discovery of the cathedral keys inside a fish, the people of Angers brought him back. Upon returning, Renatus prayed at the child’s tomb, and the child was revived. He was baptized "Renatus" (meaning “reborn”). Renatus later became bishop of Angers and was venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on November 12. St. Renatus of Angers Time Period: 5th Century Feast Day: November 12 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Renatus of Angers, or Saint René, is a lesser-known French saint whose story is closely tied to Saint Maurilius, bishop of Angers in the 5th century. According to legend, Renatus failed to baptize a dying child and, stricken with guilt, fled to England. After a miraculous discovery of the cathedral keys inside a fish, the people of Angers brought him back. Upon returning, Renatus prayed at the child’s tomb, and the child was revived. He was baptized "Renatus" (meaning “reborn”). Renatus later became bishop of Angers and was venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on November 12. Next Item Previous Item