Saints

Saints are people who love God very much. During their life on earth, they obeyed the teachings of Jesus. They shared their time, talents, food, and other things with other people. They sacrificed for the sake of love for God. The saints are now happy with God in heaven.

We honor the saints because they followed the teaching of Jesus. They loved and offered their lives to the poor and the needy. They preached the Good News.  Their lives are good examples for us. In our Church we have a special day to honor our saints. This special day is on November 1, every year.

HOW DO WE HONOUR SAINTS?

1. We try to be good and kind like them
2. We pray to the saints to pray to God for us
3. We observe All Saint's Day.
4. We tell stories about the saints. 

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO BECOME LITTLE SAINTS

1. Strongly hold on to our faith
2. Pray regularly
3. Go to Mass often
4. Obey God's commandments
5. Forgive those who hurt us
6. Help and serve the poor and the needy.

HERE ARE SOME LIST OF SAINTS

Blessed Teresa, the Mother of the Very Poor

Mother Teresa cared for Jesus. She also cared for poor, sick people. People loved her very much for her work. Jesus loved her too. 

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Blessed Teresa was born in Yugoslavia. At the age of 17, she went to India. She cared for the sick and the poorest of the poor in India. Teresa said, "Do not look for God in far lands, He is not there. God is with you."

Dom Christian, the Forgiving Monk

Dom Christian was a Trappist monk in Algeria. In 1996 bad people went inside the monastery. They took Dom Christian and the other monks as prisoners. Dom Christian and the other monks died. Later, Dom's family discovered a letter from Dom. In it was a prayer of forgiveness for his captors.

Padre Pio

Saint Pio was born of simple, hardworking farming people on 25 May 1887, in Pietrelcina, Southern Italy. He was tutored privately until his entry into the Capuchin Friars at the age of 15. Of feeble health but strong will, with the help of grace he completed the required studies and was ordained a priest in 1910.

On 20 September 1918, the five wounds of our Lord's Passion, appeared on his body, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. Countless numbers were attracted to his confessional and many more received his saintly and spiritual guidance through correspondence. His whole life was marked by long hours of prayer and continual austerity. His letters to his spiritual directors reveal the ineffable sufferings, physical and spiritual, which accompanied him all through his life. They also reveal his very deep union with God, his burning love for the Blessed Eucharist and our Blessed Lady. Worn out by over half a century of intense suffering and constant apostolic activity in San Giovanni Rotondo, he was called ti his heavenly reward on September 23 1968.

Dates important
March 20 1983 - Process of Padre Pio's Canonisation
January 21 1990 - begun the Diocesan Process
May 2 1999 - the aforesaid Process was closed
June 16 2002 - John Paul II declared Padre Pio Blessed and declared Padred Pio Saint

Saint Agatha, Patroness of Nurses

Saint Agatha was beautiful and rich. The word Agatha means "good". Agatha promised to give her life to God. A man who did not believe in God wanted to take Agatha as his wife. Agatha refused. She was sent to jail. Soldiers were ordered to hurt her. Still, she remained strong in faith. She died a martyr. Today, people still ask for her help when they are in danger. Her feast day is February 5. 

Saint Aloysius, the Patron of Young People

Saint Aloysius was very kind to everyone. He was always willing to help others. His schoolmates loved and respected him because of his kindness. 

Saint Angela of the Cross

Saint Angela was born in Seville, Spain. She loved Jesus very much. Angela organized a group of nuns to take care of the poorest of the poor. The members lived like the poor. They set good examples for the orphans and families that they cared for. Angela devoted her life in serving and loving others. 

Saint Anthony Claret, the Miracle Worker or Wonder-worker

Saint Anthony was born in Portugal. He became a Franciscan priest and became very popular as a preacher. Churches were filled when he made his sermons. Men gave up gambling and drinking because of Him. Criminals repented, enemies became friends. And so, he was called the Wonder-worker.

Some people laugh at short men. They think that short people cannot do great things. But being tall has nothing to do with greatness. Anthony Claret was only a little over five feet tall. But God gave him the gift of healing. Anthony did many good things for the people. Today, he is a well-known saint.

During his lifetime, he performed many miracles. But even after his death, many call on him, especially for lost objects. His feast day is on June 13.

Saint Augustine, the Sinner-Saint

Saint Augustine was a restless, sinful boy. One day, he picked up the Bible near his hospital bed for he had become sick. He seemed to hear a voice saying, "take and read. Take and read." This made him pick up and and read, "Arm yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ." Augustine decided to change his sinful life to faithful follower of God is truly a resurrection from death to life. He became a faithful servant of God. In one of his books he wrote: "You have made us for Yourself. Our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

Saint Benedict Labre, the Follower of Christ

As a boy, Benedict was obedient. He liked to read the Bible. Later, he wanted to become a priest. But he was not accepted. This did not stop him from following the ways of Jesus. Saint Benedict showed he belonged to Jesus' family. 

Saint Camillus of Lellis

Saint Camillus loved fun and pleasure. He liked to gamble until he became very poor. He became a laborer to earn a living. At this time he felt the presence of God. Camillus changed his life. He took care of the sick in a hospital. He formed a group to take care of the sick for free. Then he formed a religious order to take care of the sick. It was called the Order of the Hospitallers. Antother name for it is the Congregation of the Servants of the sick. Camillus had found a new life with Jesus. 

Saint Cuthbert, the Healer

Saint Cuthbert loved to pray to God. He wanted to live life in prayers. Cuthbert became a monk, a prior, then a bishop. As bishop, he took care of the sick and the abandoned. Cuthbert discovered his talent for healing. He used his talent to help many people/ St. Cuthbert became an orphan at an early age. Aside form his talent for healing, he was also gifted with the talent to see prophetic visions. He used these talents to cure the sick and help those in need. 

Saint Dominic, the Saint of the Holy Rosary

Saint Dominic wanted people to pray. One day, the Virgin Mary appeared to him. She was holding out to him a string of beads. Dominic called the string of beads a rosary. Dominic used the rosary beasd to help people to pray. 

Saint Dominic Savio, the Saint of Choir Singers

Saint Dominic was obedient and respectful. He loved going to Holy Mass. He had many friends. But his most Special Friend was Jesus.  St. Dominic's feast day is May 6.

According to Book of Saints by Fr. Lovasik, "Dominic was born in Riva, Italy in 1842. When he was 5 years old, he learned to serve during the Mass.

Dominic always followed these rules, which he had written in a notebook on his First Communion day.

1. I will go to confession and receive communion
2. I will keep holy the feast days.
3. Jesus and Mary will be my best friends
4. I will rather die than commit sin.

He was only 15 years old when he died. He was made saint o the Catholic church and is honored as the Patron of Teenagers. "

Saint Frances Cabrini

Saint Frances was born in Italy. She cared for the sick children and those with no parents. Frances helped build schools and hospitals. She never got tired of caring for others. St. Frances was known to many as Mother Cabrini because of her tireless effort in serving and caring for others. 

Saint Francis of Assisi, Good Friend of Creation

Saint Francis of Assisi was born to a rich family. But he lived as a poor man, He was very kind, especially to animals. Saint Francis loved all animals and plants. he talked to the animals and plants. He took care of them. Animals and plants are God's creation. 

Saint Gemma, the Jewel of Heaven

The word Gemma means jewel in Italian. Gemma Galgani used her ears and mouth well. At five years old, she already knew how to read and write. In school, she always won the good conduct award. After she died, people prayed to her and many miracles happened.

Saint Genevieve

St. Genevieve was born on the year 422 at Nanterre, near Paris. At the age of nine years old, Genevieve greatly impressed a bishop because she was listening very well to him. The bishopasked her some questions about God and what she would do when she grows up. Genevieve answered, she wanted to serve God.

When Genevieve became a young woman, she dedicated herslef to prayer, penance, and good works. God gave her knowledge of future events and made her a messenger to his people. Everything she predicted would come true.

Many people did not believe her and even made fun of her. She suffered terribly but she continued to be good to everyone. She wanted to be like Jesus, who would always forgive those who hurt him.

She was very obedient to God. She used all her talents to help other people who are in need. She visited the sick. She taught the children. She also taught the women to offer their lives to God by serving others.

The good works of Genevieve and her following the teachings of Jesus made her a saint.

Saint Hunna, the Holy Washerwoman

Saint Hunna was a daughter of a duke. Her family was very rich. But hunna loved a simple life. She was kind and humble. Hunna cared for the poor and the needy. She even washed the clothes of her poor neighbors!.

Saint Isidore, Friend of Animals

Saint Isidore was a farmer. He loved God's gift of plants, so he helped to make plants grow. Saint Isidore was born in Madrid, Spain. 

Saint Joachim and Anne

Saints Joachim and Anne were both from Nazareth. They were the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joachim and Anne loved Mary very much. They taught Mary to love and serve God. Joachim also taught Mary to read the Scriptures. Joachim, Anne, and Mary lived happily in loving and serving God. 

Saint John Berchmans

John was born in a small town in Belgium in 1599. As a boy, John had a great devotion to the Holy Mass and the rosary. He also had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

John entered the Jesuit seminary in Rome. There, he became ill. He pressed to his heart his crucifix, his rosary, and the book of rules and said: "These are my three treasures. With these I shall gladly die." He died with his eyes on the crucifix.

In 1888, Pope Leo XIII declared him a saint. He is the Patron of the Altar Boys. He is considered the patron saints of young boys and girls who want to love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Saint John Berchmans' feast day is August 13.

Saint John, the Cousin of Jesus

Saint John was born before Jesus. St. John is the son of Elizabeth, therefore John and Jesus are cousins.  John told the people, "Clean your hearts. Get ready for the coming of the Lord." And the people did what John told them.

Saint Joseph, the Foster-father of Jesus

Saint Joseph is the foster-father of Jesus. He was hardworking and fair. Joseph loved and cared for Mary and Jesus. He gave them the things they needed. He taught Jesus how to pray and love God. Joseph is a model father. 

Saint Joseph Moscati, the Doctor-Saint

Saint Joseph Moscati's family was very rich. They gave food and clothes to the poor. Joseph Moscati loved fun and sports. He did well in school and became a doctor. As a doctor, he did not let the poor pay. He made people think about Jesus and how our Lord cured the sick and healed their wounds. His secret was his deep love for God. He attended Holy Mass every day and received Holy Communion. He also loved our Blessed Mother and prayed the Rosary daily. Joseph used his hands to care for sick bodies. But he asked priests to heal souls. Even after he had died, he continued to heal the sick. 

Saint Kateri, the Lily of Mohawks

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was a pegan, a person who does not believe in God. Saint Kateri's father was a fierce warrior, a man experience in warfare. One day, Kateri heard the story about Jesus. She believed in Jesus. She left her pagan relatives to follow Jesus' teachings. She dedicated her life to prayer. She also took care of the sick and the aged.

Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor

Saint Leo was born in Rome in the year 400. When Leo became Pope, an evil man wanted to destroy Rome with an army of bad men. The people did not know what to do. The brave Leo went out to meet the evil man. After Leo talked with him, the man and his army went back to their land. Leo saved Rome! Leo fought against wrong beliefs about our faith. He wrote letters and spoke about our faith. Because of these, and especially for his holiness, the Church called him "the Great". We also honor Him as a Doctor of the Church.

Saint Lidwina, the Blind Saint

Saint Lidwina was born in Holland. She was a good ice skater. One day, while skating, she tripped and ell. She was never able to walk again. Later, she became blind. Despite her condition, she continued serving and helping others. 

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

St. Lorenzo was born in Binondo Manila. His father was a Chinese and his mother a Filipino. Both parents were Catholics. St. Lorenzo was an errand boy and sacristan of Dominican Priest at Binondo Manila Church. He was married and had two sons and a daughter.

He was a dedicated Catholic. He attended Mass daily. He received Holy Communion every first Sunday of the month. He also had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He joined a group of Dominican missionaries. Lorenzo Ruiz was accused of killing a Spaniard. He escaped from Manila and went to Macau with some Dominican priests. But their boat landed in Japan, where Christians were persecuted.

He went to Japan with some missionaries. At that time, the Japanese did not like Christians. Lorenzo and the missionaries were arrested. They were told not to believe in God. They were asked to give up their faith to be saved from death. But Lorenzo remained faithful as a Christian. He said "I am a Christian and I shall die for God. if I had a thousand lives, I would give them up for Him." 

Lorenzo was hung with his feet up. After two days he died.

Lorenzo was declared as the first Filipino saint on October 18, 1987. His feast day is September 28.

Saint Lucy, Light of Others

Saint Lucy was born in Italy. As a young girl, she promised her life to God. She led a prayerful life. Lucy was kind to others. The name Lucy means "light" and, indeed, Lucy brought the light of Christ to those in need. Lucy is the patroness of the blind. Her feast day is December 13.

Saint Magdalen of Canossa, Foundress

"Above all, make Jesus known!" This is what the Daughters and Sons of Charity are called to live by. Both congregations were founded by Saint Magdalen of Canossa. Magdalen was born in a castle. But the Holy Spirit asked her to dedicate herself to those in great need. She opened a school. Education and the training of girls became the center of her mission. 

St Magdalen of Canossa chose to live a poor and humble life as a foundress rather than continue living as a "Marchioness" Magdalen's love for the Crucified Lord and our Sorrowful Mother far outweighed her family's wealth and title. 

Saint Martin of Tours, the Soldier Saint

Saint Martin was a kind soldier. One day, a poor man came to hime for help. Martin gave his cloak to help the poor man. Jesus was very happy with what Martin did.

Saint Mary Faustina of the Divine Mercy

Saint Mary Faustina always prepared herself to meet God. She made her life holy by obeying the laws of God as well as she could. Through her, the devotion to the image of the Divine Mercy spread: "Jesus, King of Mercy, we trust in You."

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Knight of Mary

As a boy, Saint Maximilian Kolbe was naughty. But when he was twelve, the Virgin Mary appeared to him. She asked him to choose between two crowns: one white, the other, red. White meant purity while red meant dying for Jesus. Maximilian chose both. As priest, Fr. Maximilian took care of many Jews during World War II. His group also printed magazines and newspapers about Mary and the Catholic Faith. The Germans did not like what he was doing. He was arrested and taken prisoner. He offered himself to die in place of another prisoner. He died peacefully with Mary's name on his lips.

Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus)

Saint Nicholas loved children very much. He shared his time with them. He gave them gifts to make them happy. He gave them gifts especially during Christmas. Many people call him Santa Claus.

Saint Pedro Calungsod

Pedro Calungsod was born in 1654. He was a catechist from Visayas. He was trained by the Jesuit priests, Fr. Diego Luis San Vitores..

When he was seventeen, he went to the Marianas Islands, Guam together with the Jesuit missionaries. They taught the people there about Jesus. Many natives became Christians. They also helped baptize infants.

On April 2, 19672, Fr. San Vitores and Pedro Calungsod made a stop in Tumhon, were they encountered the native chieftain, Matapang. Matapand was once saved by Fr. Diego. He was also once baptized in the Christian faith. But he fell away from the faith because of the influences of other natives. Matapang was very angry with Fr. Diego. He decided to kill him. Together with Hirao, also a native rushed to the shore where Fr. Diego and Pedro Calungsod were. They attacked first Pedro Calungsod so he cannot protect the priest. Spears were thrown in his direction. Pedro Calungsod could have run away and escaped but he stayed to defend Fr. Diego. A spear finally pierced his chest and he fell to the ground. The two natives also killed Fr. Diego. They bound Fr. Diego and Pedro Calungsod's body. They attached a large rock to their feet and threw them into the deep waters of the sea.

Pedro Calungsod was ready to give up his life. He was faithful to Fr. Diego and to his faith.

Due to his great faith in God, Pedro was beatified by Pope John Paull II on March 5 2000.

He was canonized and declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. Pope Benedict said that Saint Calungsod would "inspire the dear people of the Philippines to announce the kingdom bravely and win souls of God."

We Filipinos, should honor and show our respect to him the same way as we do, to the many other saints. We ask the help of the saints to pray to God for us. We must try to follow what they did.

Saint Pedro Calungsod's feast day is April 2.

Saint Pedro Calungsod is the second Filipino saint. 

Saint Peter Chrysologus, the Father of the Church or the Golden Speaker

Saint Peter was  a friend of Jesus. He took care of God's family, the Church. Peter became the "Father of the Church." Saint Peter was born in Italy. Peter was avery good speaker. His sermons were short and simple. He reminded people to attend Mass every day. People enjoyed listening to him. They gave him a special name which means "golden speaker".

Saint Rita, the Saint who suffered like Jesus

Saint Rita loved Jesus very much. She often prayed, "Please Jesus, I am Your sister. Let me suffer like You." Later in her life, Rita suffered much pain. She did not mind her suffering for she had prayed for it. 

Saint Rose, the Suffering Servant of God

Saint Rose was obedient to her poor parents. She went to work every day to help her parents. At night, she sewed clothes. But she never forgot to visit the poor and give them food. She offered all her suffering and good deeds to God. She suffered all these to help sinners. Jesus often appeared to her. He told her He liked her good deeds.

Saint Rose of Lima, the Angel of the Andes

Isabel was born in Lima, Peru South America in 1586. Her mother called her "Rose" because of her red cheeks. Rose came from a poor family. She was very obedient to her parents. She did all her work with a happy smile. She worked to help support her family. She grew flowers and did needlework for a living. Rose cared for the poor. She always brought them food. The people she helped called her the "angel of the Andes."

Rose was very beautiful. Her mother wanted her to wear beautiful clothes, but Rose would say: "Mother, only beauty of the soul is important."

When her parents became poor, Rose went out every day to work. At night, she helped her parents. Rose was a very simple girl. She served other people especially the poor.

She visited their homes and brought them food. She offered all her sufferings and good works to God. She believed that to love Jesus is to love other people.

Saint Stanislaus Kostka, the Forgiving Brother

Saint Stanislaus belonged to a noble Polish family. His parents sent him to school with his brother, Paul. Stanislaus was always cheerful and kind to all. But his brother, Paul, always forgave Paul. Once, Paul got very sick. Stanislaus prayed and the Blessed Virgin Mary cured Paul. Stanislaus died at the age of seventeen on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We remember him on November 13. 

St. Stanislaus Kostka's life teaches us that forgiveness has to be learned even at a young age. He did not wait to become older in order to forgive. Nor did he count his forgiveness. 

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church

Saint Teresa of Avila combined cheerfulness with penance and sacrifice. She had charm, wit, humility, courtesy, and above all, holiness. She often prayed to the Holy Spirit for help. Her life of prayer and holiness helped her establish many convents. She is the patron saint of headache sufferers and is invoked against heart diseases.

Saint Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus

Saint Therese was born in France on January 2, 1873. She was the youngest of nine children. Therese took care of several animals. Some of them were doves and goldfish. Therese worked very hard. She offered all her work to God. This was her way of showing how much she loved God. For Therese, "Love is repaid by love alone."

Saint Therese, Patroness of the Missions

When Therese was still very young, she did little kindness for everyone. She prepared for her First Holy Communion by making many little sacrifices. She became a very special friend of Jesus. She once said, "From the age of three, I never refused our good God. I have never given Him anything but love."

Therese entered the Carmelite Convent at the age of fifteen. She wanted to save souls and to help priests by prayer, sacrifices, and suffering.

When she was dying, Therese pressed her crucifix to her heart. Looking up to heaven she said: "My God, I love you!" She was only twenty-four years old when she died in 1897.

Her feast day is October 1.

Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Teacher-Saint or the Patient Saint

Saint Thomas was born in Naples, Italy. Saint Thomas was a priest and a teacher. He taught the people about Jesus. He wrote many books about God and that Jesus is the Son of God. He also wrote several hymns. Thomas was a very holy man and patience.  He never said bad things about others.

Saint Vincent Pallotti, Priest and Confessor

Even as a child, Saint Vincent showed early signs of holiness. He wore the simplest clothes although his family was wealthy. He hated to waste things and time. Vincent also loved the poor. As a priest, he was well-known for converting many sinners. Father vincent took special care of soldiers and prisoners who were about to die. Many souls were saved because of their confessions to Saint vincent Palloti. We remember him every January 22. St. Vincent wanted to make everyone Catholic, to make every Catholic a good Catholic, and to make every good Catholic an apostle. 

Santo Niño, Patron of the Philippines

We celebrate the Feast of the Santo Niño every third Sunday of January. Santo Niño means Holy Child. The Sto. Niño reminds us that Jesus is Child and King. Jesus tells us "Unless you become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Source:

Santos, Corazon E. We Celebrate God's Love We Are God's Friends. Ed. Carmen M. Cabato and Lourdes M. Ribo. 3rd ed. Quezon City: Vibal House, 2011. Print.
Santos, Corazon E. We Celebrate God's Love We Follow Jesus. Ed. Carmen M. Cabato and Lourdes M. Ribo. Contributor Cesar C. Inocencio 3rd ed. Quezon City: Vibal House, 2011. Print.
Philippine Centre for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Inc