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

All the endeavors of St. Francis - founding the Franciscan Order, preaching to the birds, and becoming one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity – flow from one source: living the gospel life demonstrated through the complete charity of Jesus. Francis traded a life of luxury for one of poverty after various military failings and spiritual awakenings, leading him to follow the teachings of Christ with a vigor, dedication, and literal nature that made many view him as insane. His renouncement of the world, rebuilding of God’s churches, and renewal of the Catholic faith altered human history forever. His feast day is October 4th. St. Francis of Assisi Time Period: 1181-1226 Feast Day: October 4 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Founder of Franciscans Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Body Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy. His father, a silk merchant who was away on business when Giovanni was born, was displeased with the name chosen by his wife, in honor of John the Baptist. His father chose to call him Francesco, or Francis, in honor of his commercial success and love of all things French, and the name stuck. Francis was born into a wealthy merchant family, and as a young man, he enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege. He had dreams of becoming a knight and sought glory on the battlefield. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was captured during a conflict between Assisi and Perugia. During his captivity, he fell seriously ill and had a spiritual awakening. Upon his release, Francis renounced his former life of materialism and began to embrace a life of simplicity and devotion to Christ. He returned to Assisi, where he prayed in the dilapidated Church of San Damiano and heard a divine voice telling him to “rebuild my church.” Taking these words literally, he began restoring the church with his own hands, showing his commitment to rebuilding the spiritual foundations of the Christian faith. Francis’ journey towards a life of humility and service continued to evolve. He gave away his possessions, including his fine clothes, to live among the poor. His radical example of poverty and devotion quickly attracted followers, who embraced his teachings and way of life. In 1209, Pope Innocent III approved the establishment of the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscan Order. This marked the official recognition of Francis’ mission to lead a life of evangelical poverty. Francis’ message emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature and all of God’s creation. He referred to all living beings as his brothers and sisters, demonstrating his deep compassion for the natural world. His famous Canticle of the Sun praises God for the beauty of creation and is a testament to his love for the environment. Throughout his life, Francis embarked on numerous missions to spread the message of love, peace, and reconciliation. He ventured to Egypt during the Fifth Crusade, hoping to convert the Muslim sultan, Al-Kamil, and bring about an end to the conflict. Although he did not achieve his goal, his bravery and commitment to dialogue left a lasting impression. Back in Italy, Francis continued his ministry, preaching to both the clergy and laity. His simple, heartfelt sermons touched the hearts of many, and he gained a reputation as a charismatic preacher and healer. He is often remembered for his ability to communicate with animals, emphasizing his belief in the interconnectedness of all life. In 1224, while fasting and praying on Mount La Verna, Francis experienced a profound spiritual event known as the stigmatization. He received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side, marking him as the first recorded person to receive the stigmata. This extraordinary occurrence deepened his spiritual connection to Christ and solidified his status as a revered figure within the Church. As Francis’ health declined, he composed the “Canticle of the Creatures,” also known as the “Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon,” celebrating God’s creation and the unity of all creatures in praising the Creator. On October 3, 1226, at the age of 44, Saint Francis of Assisi passed away, surrounded by his devoted followers. His legacy continued to grow long after his death. Saint Francis of Assisi’s impact on Christianity and the world at large is immeasurable. His devotion to poverty, humility, and love for all of God’s creation has left an enduring mark on the Catholic Church and inspired countless individuals to lead lives of compassion and service. In 1228, just two years after his death, Pope Gregory IX canonized Francis as a saint. He is the patron saint of animals, the environment, Italy, and numerous other causes. The Franciscan Order he founded continues to thrive, with thousands of members worldwide, dedicated to following in his footsteps. Saint Francis’ teachings on simplicity, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all life remain relevant in today’s world, serving as a reminder that a life of humility and service can have a profound and lasting impact. His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, challenging us all to live more authentically and compassionately in the service of others and God. Next Item Previous Item

Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking to give your time and volunteer at St. Anthony's? Below are opportunities for you to get involved! St. Anthony of Padua requires all adults (18 years +) volunteering with our parish to be in compliance with Safe Environment. If you have not taken the Safe Environment Training, click the link below to complete it. If you have questions, please contact us. Safe Environment Training Contact Us Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization Evangelization A/V Ministry Liturgy The A/V Ministry is responsible for the execution of a prayerful and reverent worship experience. Ministers assist with setup, mixing audio, projecting lyrics, and broadcasting the live stream during the liturgy to enhance the spiritual experience for parishioners and encourage the assembly to actively participate. Learn More Altar Servers Liturgy Altar Servers provide respectful and reverent altar service at our Lord’s table during scheduled liturgies. The Altar Server ministry is open to those who have completed the fourth grade, have received their First Holy communion, and are members of a family that is registered in our Parish. Contact Us EMHC Liturgy Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) assist the pastor and deacon in distributing Holy Communion during Mass. Training for this ministry is offered periodically throughout the year. Watch for announcements in the bulletin or at ap.church/events . Learn More EMHC Visitation Liturgy This extension of our liturgy permits commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to bring the Blessed Sacrament to those who are homebound. Learn More Instituted Acolyte Liturgy The Instituted Acolyte is appointed to assist the Deacon and serve the Priest during the Mass. He is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. The primary responsibility is to assist with the purification of vessels used in the distribution of Holy Communion. Learn More Lector - English Liturgy Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Mass so as to bring alive the scriptures in the hearts of the faithful gathered. Learn More Lectores - en Español Liturgy Lectores – en Español: Los lectores proclaman la Palabra de Dios en la Misa para dar vida a las Escrituras en el corazón de los fieles reunidos. Contact Us Linen Ministry Liturgy The Linen Ministry is responsible for the care of all church linens integral to the Mass, such as purificators, corporals, altar cloths, credence tablecloths, hand towels, albs, vestments, and other specialty linens. Contact Us Music Ministry Liturgy The Music Ministry creates an atmosphere of celebration and reverence to God through music for all Masses. St Anthony's music program includes cantors, choir(s), and instrumentalists to share in the musical experience of prayer. If you are interested in volunteering with our music ministry, we are always looking for singers, musicians, and admin help! Submit an interest form here and we can schedule a time to meet with you. Learn More Sacristan Liturgy The Sacristan supervises the set-up for Daily and Weekend Masses. They coordinate the Liturgical Ministers (EMHC’s, Ushers, Greeters) who are serving at that specific Mass. The Sacristan is responsible for the set-up and physical arrangement of the Liturgy. Learn More Usher Liturgy Ushers are the welcoming faces that provide orderly and efficient assistance during the Mass. All registered parishioners who are either a sophomore in high school or 16 years and older with an outgoing personality and a love for the Mass are welcome to join! Learn More Wedding Coordinator Liturgy The Wedding Coordinator is responsible for running the wedding rehearsal the day before the wedding. Then on the big day, they are responsible for setting up the church, and assisting the musicians, florists, photographers, and families as they arrive for this special day and making them feel at ease as they await the ceremony to start. Contact Us Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization BACK TO TOP

The Will of God & The Word of Life October 2026 Monthly Meeting View Session Session Transcript Monthly Meeting View Session Session Transcript "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” (Jn 14:23) together with the verse in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21) This month we will focus on living the Scripture concretely. The will of God and the Word of Life- the natural, spontaneous response to God’s love is to do His will and live His word. The Will of God & The Word of Life: Love received becomes obedience lived. After internalizing God’s immense love for each one of us, the natural response we feel in our hearts is: How can I return God’s infinite love with my own heart? Jesus Himself responds: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” (Jn 14:23). And in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21). The will of God is not first of all an abstract plan we have to discover for our entire lives. It is also the present will of God: what love asks of me here, now, with this person, in this circumstance. The Word of God becomes our guide because it teaches us how to recognize and accomplish that will. This is why the Word is not merely something we study, understand, or admire. We live it. We take a Gospel phrase and put it into practice until it becomes life in us. The Word forms a new way of thinking, choosing, speaking, suffering, working, forgiving and loving. And when the Word is lived, something extraordinary happens: God’s Word becomes visible. Christ continues to live in the world through people who put his Gospel into practice. MONTHLY GATHERING: Monday, October 12, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Located in the Main Church The speaker will be Bishop M. Mulvey ABOUT THE SPEAKER: MOST REVEREND Wm. MICHAEL MULVEY, S.T.L., D.D. Bishop Emeritus of Corpus Christi Eighth Bishop of Corpus Christi, 2010–2026 The Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey served as the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi from 2010 to 2026. Episcopal Ministry in Corpus Christi Pope Benedict XVI appointed then-Monsignor Mulvey as Bishop of Corpus Christi on January 18, 2010. He was ordained to the episcopacy and installed as the diocese’s eighth bishop on March 25, 2010. For nearly 16 years, Bishop Mulvey provided pastoral and spiritual leadership to a 12-county area that spanned the Diocese of Corpus Christi. His ministry was rooted in a desire to help the faithful live the Gospel and foster what he often described as a “spirituality of communion.” During his tenure, Bishop Mulvey introduced Fraternity Days to strengthen prayer, fellowship and unity among the priests of the diocese. He established the St. John Vianney Residence for retired priests and expanded Catholic campus ministry through the Newman Centers in Corpus Christi, Kingsville and Beeville. He also encouraged and supported prison ministry throughout South Texas. Bishop Mulvey brought the faithful together through the annual State of the Diocese gathering and promoted synodal listening as a way for the Church to pray, listen and discern together. Throughout his years as bishop, he celebrated the sacraments, ordained priests and deacons, confirmed young people, welcomed people into the Church, supported Catholic education and visited parishes and communities across the diocese. He also guided the diocese through significant moments in the life of the Church and the wider community, including Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, the diocesan synodal process and the National Eucharistic Revival. Transition to Bishop Emeritus On December 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Mulvey’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and appointed the Most Reverend Mario Alberto Avilés, C.O., as his successor. Bishop Mulvey continued serving the diocese as Apostolic Administrator until Bishop Avilés was installed as the ninth Bishop of Corpus Christi on January 28, 2026. Bishop Mulvey then became Bishop Emeritus of Corpus Christi. Early Life and Education Bishop Mulvey was born on August 23, 1949, in Houston, Texas, the second of six children born to Daniel H. Mulvey Jr. and Marjorie Jane Patterson Mulvey. He received his education in Catholic schools, including St. Theresa and St. Cecilia schools and St. Thomas High School in Houston. He graduated from St. Edward’s High School in Austin in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University in 1971. He attended the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 1971 to 1976. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, commonly known as the Angelicum, in 1974 and a licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1976. Priesthood and Ministry Bishop Mulvey was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Austin by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter’s Square on June 29, 1975. During his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Austin, he served in the following assignments: 1976–1977: Associate Pastor of St. Mary and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes in Taylor 1977–1980: Associate Pastor of St. Louis Parish in Austin 1980–1981: Sabbatical studies with the Focolare Movement 1981–1986: Chaplain at Reicher Catholic High School in Waco 1986–1992: Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston 1992–1995: Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in College Station 1995–1997: Associate Director of the Center for Spirituality for Diocesan Priests of the Focolare Movement in Florence, Italy 1997–1999: Director of the Center for Spirituality for Diocesan Priests of the Focolare Movement in Hyde Park, New York 1999–2004: Pastor of St. Helen Parish in Georgetown 2004–2007: Chancellor of the Diocese of Austin 2007–2009: Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin 2009: Vice Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston 2009–2010: Administrator of the Diocese of Austin Bishop Mulvey continues to serve the Church through prayer, pastoral ministry and his faithful presence among the people of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Internet for Volunteers Internet Acceptable Usage Policy Acknowledgement of this policy is required for all campus volunteers wishing to have access to Parish technology. Please consult your ministry leader with any questions about technology access. Once a year in late summer we reset the password for the volunteer wifi signal. This is different than the guest signal that is reset every month. Because it is a long-term connection, we ask the volunteers to acknowledge an Internet Usage Policy in order to receive the password and connect to this volunteer signal. Once volunteers have submitted the form, they will receive an email with the new username and password for the upcoming faith formation year. IT Systems Policy Acknowledgement for Volunteers St. Anthony of Padua has established this policy with regard to access and disclosure of messages created, sent, received or stored by Parish volunteers using the Parish's Systems, which include the Parish's internet, email, telephone and voice mail systems, facsimile and modem equipment, and computer hardware and software ("Parish Systems"). The Parish Systems are Parish property and are intended for business and ministry purposes. Personal use should be kept to a minimum and should in no event interfere with a volunteer’s normal job duties and responsibilities. . The Parish owns the rights to all data and files stored in or on the Parish Systems. All messages (e-mail, instant messages, and voice mail) composed, sent, received or stored on the Parish Systems are and remain the property of the Parish. They are not the property of any volunteer and are subject to viewing, downloading, inspection, release and archiving by the Parish at all times. Volunteers have no expectation of privacy on any information, message, data, or information on or transmitted by any of the Parish Systems. The Parish may exercise its right to monitor, review, audit, intercept, access, and disclose all information created, received or sent over the Parish Systems for any purpose. The confidentiality of any information should not be assumed. Even if information is erased or deleted, it is still possible to retrieve and read the information. All use of Parish Systems becomes part of the Parish and is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or government officials or to other third parties through subpoena or other legal process. Consequently, volunteers should always ensure that their use of and business information contained in the Parish Systems is accurate, appropriate and lawful. To continue reading the policy, agree to the terms and receive the campus volunteer wifi credentials, visit the Usage Policy Agreement Form. USAGE POLICY AGREEMENT FORM Previous Item Next Item

The life of Mary, and the journey of her veil, are not highly documented and many details have been disputed over the years. Most information points to Mary having lived in Ephesus following the death and Resurrection of Jesus, where she lived with John until she experienced her “dormition”. The Apostles, upon realizing that Mary had been assumed into heaven, collected her belongings that remained, including her veil. Tracing the remaining journey of the veil is a tough task, but it appeared briefly amid wars and transitions of power, and today resides in the Chartres Cathedral in France. Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: January 1 Title/Attributes: Mother of God Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Veil of Mary Through the faith and obedience of a young, teenaged girl from Jerusalem, the Savior of the World came to Earth. Mary, the daughter of Sts. Joachim and Anne, showed immense courage when visited by the archangel Gabriel, who brought the news that she would become the Mother of Jesus. And she continued to show that courage when she remained at the foot of her Son, as He hung upon the cross. As Roman Catholics, we have more theological doctrines, teachings, prayers, teachings, and devotions to Mary than any other faith group. We hold true four very important dogmatic beliefs: 1. that she is Theotokos, or Mother of God, 2. Her perpetual virginity, 3. The Immaculate Conception, and 4. Her Assumption into heaven. It is this fourth and final dogma that leads us to a relic from the Blessed Virgin Mary; we firmly believe that following her death, she was Assumed body and spirit up into heaven. Not a single first-class relic of Mary will ever be found. However, a few of her personal items remained here on Earth, which would be second-class relics. Of these, the most venerated around the world is the veil of Mary. Through many of the monumental moments of Jesus’ life, there was the veiled Mary – presenting Jesus in the temple, initiating the first public miracle at the wedding in Cana, and even praying with the Apostles following His death. It’s unlikely that the seamstress who weaved the silk thread into a beautiful veil could ever have guessed the miracles it would be present for, sitting upon Our Lady’s head. The life of Mary, and the journey of her veil, are not highly documented and many details have been disputed over the years, but the pieces of information that we do know point to Mary having lived in Ephesus following the death and Resurrection of Jesus. She lived with John, having been instructed by Jesus upon the cross to take Mary into his house, in what is now present-day Turkey. Her death is not recorded in the scriptures, but tradition told of her body being placed in a tomb in Jerusalem, where she experienced her “dormition”, meaning that Mary did not experience the violent separation of body and spirit that occurs due to the stain of original sin; but instead, Mary, free from original sin, “fell asleep” and was assumed, body and spirit into heaven. The Apostles, upon realizing that Mary had been assumed into heaven, collected her belongings that remained, including her veil. They were kept in Jerusalem until around the year 400, before St. Jerome, the secretary to Pope Damasus I, took the Mantle of Joseph and Veil of Mary back to Rome for safekeeping. Had St. Jerome not relocated these precious relics, they likely would have been destroyed during the Muslim invasions that soon followed in Jerusalem. Tracing the remaining journey of the veil is a tough task, but history tells of the veil being transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople around the year 800. After being presented by the Empress Irene to the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, it was then given to his descendant Charles the Bald, who gave the relic to a cathedral in Chartres, France. It was in Chartres that stories tell of the veil being taken from the church and paraded as a flag of war in the year 911, when the bandit Rollo and his henchmen were besieging the town. With the veil proudly raised above the city by the bishop, Rollo and his men were defeated, and the siege failed. The veil was placed in a reliquary, which began attracting pilgrims far and wide to pray near the veil. Since the veil was viewed to provide a divine protection, many pilgrims placed shirts up against the reliquary in order to wear them prior to going to war or giving birth. The cathedral in Chartres was badly damaged by a fire in the year 1194, and many feared the veil had been destroyed. However, three days after the fire, a procession of priests emerged from the church with the relic intact, having been rushed to a crypt beneath the cathedral for safety. The cardinal of the area declared this as a sign from Mary that she desired a “more magnificent church”, and reconstruction began immediately. Fast forward to the 14th century, when a lead box was discovered at the Basilica of St. Anastasia, where St. Jerome had served as the parish priest. Two miles from St. Peter’s, the boxes were opened, and the Veil of Mary and Mantle of St. Joseph were discovered. They were immediately enshrined in the chapel, and in the 1750’s, the bishop authorized the creation of relics from tiny pieces of the veil. Scientific tests on the veil found that the silk veil is of Syrian design and can be traced back to the 1st century. At one point, the fabric was thought to be that of a tunic, but after being unwound, it was discovered to in fact be a veil. Every year in August, on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, the veil is processed with great reverence. With shared reverence, have in our reliquary a small thread of this very veil in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. May this relic guide us closer to Jesus in order to grow in faith and love for Him, just as the wearer of this beautiful veil demonstrated every day of her life. Next Item Previous Item

Chapdelaine was born in La Rochelle-Normande, France, and became a priest in 1843. He joined the Paris Foreign Missions in 1851 and went to China’s Guangxi province in 1852. Due to the Taiping Rebellion, foreigners were forbidden, but Chapdelaine ministered to local Catholics. After brief imprisonment and multiple threats, he returned to Guangxi in 1855. On February 25, 1856, he was arrested and accused of inciting insurrection. He refused to pay a bribe and was subjected to brutal cage torture, where he suffered severe beatings and a slow death from suffocation in a hanging iron cage. St. Auguste Chapdelaine Time Period: 1814-1856 Feast Day: February 27 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Piece of habit/clothing Chapdelaine was born on a farm in La Rochelle-Normande, France. By the age of twenty, he had entered the seminary at Coutances. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Coutances in 1843 and in 1851 joined the Institute of Foreign Missions in Paris. He left from Antwerp in April 1852 to join the Catholic mission in the Guangxi province of China. The Taiping Rebellion led to suspicion of Christians, and foreigners were forbidden to enter the area. After a stay in Guangzhou, he moved to Guiyang, capital of the Guizhou province, in the spring of 1854. In December, he went, together with Lu Tingmei, to Yaoshan village, Xilin County of Guangxi, where he met the local Catholic community of around 300 people. He celebrated his first mass there on 8 December 1854. He was arrested and thrown into the Xilin county prison ten days after his arrival and was released after sixteen or eighteen days of captivity. Following personal threats, Chapdelaine returned to Guizhou in early 1855, and came back to Guangxi in December of the same year. He was denounced on February 22, 1856, by Bai San, a relative of a new convert, while the local tribunal was on holiday. He was arrested in Yaoshan, together with other Chinese Catholics, by orders of Zhang Mingfeng, the new local mandarin on 25 February 1856. Chapdelaine was accused of stirring up insurrection and refused to pay a bribe. Condemned to cage torture (zhanlong), he was first beaten one hundred times on the cheek by a leather thong, which caused his teeth to fly out, his face mutilated, and his jaw lacerated. He was locked into a small iron cage, which was hung at the gate of the jail. The planks he stood on were gradually removed, placing a strain in the muscles of the neck, and leading to a slow and painful death from suffocation. (https://www.catholic.org/saints/) Next Item Previous Item

St. Lawrence, born around 225 in Huesca, Spain, was ordained a deacon by Pope Sixtus II and later appointed Archdeacon of Rome. In 258, after Sixtus’s martyrdom under Emperor Valerian’s edict, Lawrence was ordered to surrender the Church’s riches. Instead, he presented Rome’s poor and sick, declaring them the true treasures of the Church. Enraged, the prefect had him executed on a red-hot grill, where Lawrence famously joked, “Turn me over; I’m done on this side.” His courage inspired many, and he is honored in the First Eucharistic Prayer as a model of faith, service, and martyrdom. St. Lawrence Time Period: 225-258 Feast Day: August 10 Title/Attributes: Deacon, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Lawrence was born around 225 in Huesca, Spain, which was apart of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis. Tradition states that both of his parents were martyrs for their faith. Pope Sixtus II was a famous teacher before he became the Supreme Pontiff. During his teaching days, he encountered Lawrence, and they traveled together from Hispania to Rome. Sixtus became the pope in 257 AD and shortly after that, he ordained Lawrence as a Deacon at 32 years old. Later, Sixtus II appointed Lawrence as the Archdeacon of Rome, putting him in charge of the treasury and riches of the Church and the distribution of alms. In August 258, Emperor Valerian issued an edict demanding that all clergy (bishops, priests, and deacons) should be executed. Pope Sixtus II was martyred on August 6, 258. Immediately following the death of Pope Sixtus II, the prefect of Rome told Lawrence to gather up the riches and treasures of the of the Church and turn it into the Roman government. Lawrence responded, saying he needed a few days to collect all the treasures. Lawrence made good on his promise and brought the people of the city to the authorities. He brought the poor, the crippled, the diseased, and the suffering people. Lawrence proclaimed, “here are the treasures of the Church. You see, the Church is truly rich, far richer than your emperor!” The Roman prefect was so angry that he ordered the execution of Lawrence. Lawrence was placed on a red-hot grill, where he made the famous comment that he was roasted on one side and should be turned over. Lawrence’s example of faith and courage spread throughout the empire. He is mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer during Mass and remembered as one of the prominent deacons in the Church. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Bonaventure was a wise and holy man who devoted his life to the sharing of Christ’s love through mystical and Christian wisdom. His contributions to the Catholic Church – from his writings, restoration of the Franciscan Order and organization of the Council of Lyon – are immeasurable in their impact, and he is remembered as one of the most brilliant minds of his time. His intellectual prowess, paired with his calming, peaceful skills of reconciliation, created a much-needed bright spot in the Catholic Church in a time where many brewing storms could have caused severe, lasting damage if he hadn’t intervened. His feast day is July 15th. St. Bonaventure Time Period: 1221-1274 Feast Day: July 15 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Doctor of the Church, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Bonaventure was born Giovanni di Fidanza in Bagnoregio, then part of the Papal States, around the year 1221, but little is known about his early years. There are varying stories of how he became known as Bonaventure, but one story recounts his parents growing anxious when young Giovanni fell deathly ill. Beside herself with worry, his mother sent for none other than St. Francis of Assisi to come and pray over him. St. Francis healed the sickly 4-year-old boy and foreseeing the greatness of the future saint, cried out, “Oh good fortune!” which in Italian, is “O buona ventura.” And thus, the name “Bonaventure” stuck. Fast forward to 1243, when a healthy 22-year-old Bonaventure followed Francis by entering the Franciscan Order. He had already earned a Master of Arts degree in 1243, and after joining the Friars Minor, became a Master of Theology at the University of Paris alongside another future saint, Thomas Aquinas. He produced many notable works, including commentaries on the Bible, a commentary on “The Four Books of Sentences” (a theology book written by Peter Lombard), and the Breviloquium, which was an outlined summary of his theology. Bonaventure was particularly noted for his ability to reconcile and unite differing viewpoints into a harmony of theology, philosophy, and understanding. In 1256, a teacher at the University of Paris accused the mendicant Franciscans (meaning the friars who were nomadic wanderers, begging for a living) of defaming the Gospels by their practice of poverty, to prevent the Franciscans from holding teaching positions at the university. Bonaventure defended the Franciscan ideal of Christian life, and his ability to share his personal understanding of truth in a way that formed a pathway towards the love of God earned him the title of minister general of the Franciscan Order on February 2, 1257. Bonaventure expertly navigated numerous divides during his life, and thanks to his tireless visits to various provinces, he was able to restore unity to the order and reestablish the spirit of St. Francis among the friars and beyond. At all times, Bonaventure preached the Gospel eloquently and with a noticeable outward happiness. In his writings and teachings, he made it clear that only through an inward peace and joy, gained from having God in his heart, could he show happiness on the outside. He would serve as the superior of the Friars Minor for 17 fruitful years, and his impact is so great on the order that he is sometimes referred to as the second founder of the Franciscans. He successfully proposed a unified and collected text regulating the daily life of the Friars Minor in 1260, which was accepted and ratified by the General Chapter of the Order in Narbonne. Bonaventure’s skill at reconciling opposing views caught the attention of numerous Popes, including Pope Clement IV, who nominated Bonaventure for Archbishop of York in 1265. He would turn down the title though, wanting to live a simple and frugal life. A few years later though, the next Pope, Gregory X, appointed him Cardinal Bishop of Albano and it was a dignity that he couldn’t refuse in May of 1273. Pope Gregory consecrated him in November of 1273 in the French city of Lyon, and his first big task as a Cardinal Bishop was to help prepare the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons, an important ecclesial event aimed at uniting the divisions between the Latin and Greek Churches at the time. Bonaventure worked hard to prepare the council and was a leading figure in the reform of the church, but sadly, he would not see its completion. Bonaventure died suddenly on July 15, 1274, while the council was still in session. He was buried the same day in a Franciscan Church. His contributions to the church and profound sanctity earned him the canonization of a saint on April 14, 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV, and he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V. He is often referred to as the “Seraphic Doctor” of the Church, with seraphic referring to the highest order of angels in heaven. Saint Bonaventure could have easily been remembered only for his immense intellect shared in his teachings and writings. Instead, this wise and holy man chose to reinforce that intellectual ability, while good and valid, is inferior to the direction and affections of the heart. In his own words: “If you learn everything except Christ, you learn nothing. If you learn nothing except Christ, you learn everything.” St. Bonaventure is 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. Margaret of Antioch, an early virgin martyr and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, was the daughter of a pagan priest. Raised by a Christian woman, she embraced the faith and consecrated her virginity to God, prompting her father to disown her. When Governor Olybrius proposed marriage and demanded she renounce Christianity, she refused and was tortured. Miracles reportedly occurred during her suffering, including defeating Satan in the form of a dragon. She was eventually beheaded. Margaret later appeared to St. Joan of Arc and is invoked for protection against dangers and diseases as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. St. Margaret of Antioch Time Period: 289-304 Feast Day: July 20 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Martyr, Holy Helper Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Margaret of Antioch is one of the early virgin martyrs of the church and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Margaret was the daughter of a pagan priest and her mother died during childbirth. Margaret was raised and nursed by a Christian woman. She soon embraced Christianity and consecrated her virginity to God. Her father disowned her for her faith. Olybrius, a Governor in the Roman Empire asked to marry her and demanded that she renounce her faith. She refused and was tortured. During her torture, various miracles occurred, including defeating a Satan in the form of a dragon. Margaret was eventually beheaded. Margaret is one of the saints that spoke to St. Joan of Arc. She is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers who are a group of saints venerated together in Catholic tradition because their intercession is believed to be particularly effective against specific diseases and dangers. Each saint is invoked for aid regarding particular ailments or needs. The Fourteen Holy Helpers are: Acacius, Barbara, Blaise, Catherine of Alexandria, Christopher, Cyriacus, Denis, Erasmus of Formia, Eustace, George, Giles, Margaret of Antioch, Pantaleon, and Vitus. Next Item Previous Item