Blog Posts - OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

July 8th - St. Kilian By: Jaiden Puthenkalam

7/3/2020

St. Kilian was born into a high-class family in the year of 640 in Cloughballybeg, Ireland. St. Kilian served as a monk in the monastery at Hy, now known as Iona. In 686, St. Kilian was consecrated bishop at the Apostle of Franconia, the northern part of Bavaria where he started his work. In the summer of 686, Kilian and eleven others traveled through Gaul to Rome to receive permission from Pope Conon to evangelize Franconia and to receive missionary capabilities from the pope. He achieved this goal with Colman, a priest, and Totnan, a deacon. After that they went to the castle of Würzburg, occupied by the duke Gozbert who was pagan just like the people. The group separated into 2, where some were looking for other missionary work while St. Kilian, Colman and Tontnan stayed in Würzburg. St. Kilian made this town the foundation of his activity which spread over an increasing area in East Franconia and Thuringia, and converted Duke Gozbert with a large part of his subjects to Christianity. St. Kilian told the duke that he was in violation for being married to his brethren’s widow, Geilana. When she heard this, she got angry and had St. Kilian killed along with Colman and Totnan.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

O dearest St. Kilian. You converted the lives of the non-believers to believe. Help us also to believe in the importance of the lord and praise his name. We ask this in Jesus Christ name we pray, Amen.

July 7th - Blessed Ralph Milner By: Maxin Mathew

7/3/2020

Blessed Ralph Milner was a very obscure person from the Middle Ages. He was born into a family of farmers and grew up illiterate. He supported his wife and eight children by working manual labor. He was raised as an Anglican Protestant, but later converted to Catholicism. However, he was arrested and imprisoned right after his First Holy Communion. This time in England they were often hunted down and imprisoned, sometimes even killed. Ralph was actually known to be a very friendly person; this helped him get out on parole often. He was trusted by his jailers and had been given great leniency within the jail. Milner used their trust to bring other Catholic priests into the jail in order to administer sacraments to the other Catholic inmates. One day, he was caught with one of the priests he had brought into the jail and put in close confinement. The judge even offered Milner freedom if he would attend just one Protestant service. Even when his children were brought to him with hopes of converting him away from Catholicism, he refused and remained unshaken in his decision. He was later executed on July 7, 1591.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Lord help all those who are imprisoned to stay hopeful and strong as Blessed Ralph Milner did. Keep us in our faith and forgive those who have sinned. Amen.

July 6th - St. Maria Goretti By: Georgiana Issac

7/3/2020

Saint Maria Goretti is the patron saint of youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape. She was born in October 1890 and died in July 1902. On the day of her death, her 18 year old neighbor attempted to rape her. She told him that it was a mortal sin and that he would go to hell for this. When her neighbor persisted, she fought him and screamed, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!" At her words, the boy began to choke her and she said she would rather die than submit. Upon hearing her words, he pulled out a knife and stabbed her eleven times. When she attempted to reach the door, he stabbed her three more times then fled. On her deathbed the next day, Maria forgave the boy and said she wanted to see him in Heaven with her. She died that day while looking upon an image of the Virgin Mary and holding a cross to her chest. Saint Maria is called a martyr because she fought against the boy’s attempts at sexual sin; however, the most important aspects of her story are how she forgave her attacker - her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death - and the miracle her forgiveness produced in his life.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Saint Maria Goretti, strengthened by God's grace, you did not hesitate, even at the age of twelve, to sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity. Look graciously on the unhappy human race that has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially our youth, the courage and promptness that will help us avoid anything that could offend Jesus. Obtain for me a great horror of sin, so that I may live a holy life on earth and win eternal glory in heaven. Amen.

July 5th - St. Anthony Zaccaria By: Jeslyn Joyal

7/3/2020

St. Anthony Zaccaria was born in 1502, in Cremona, Italy. His father died when St. Anthony was just a toddler, which left him to be raised by his mother, Antonia Pescorali. After studying medicine, he received his doctorate at the age of 22. He felt his calling to a spiritual life while working as a physician to the poor. After hard work, he was ordained 4 years later.
St. Anthony Zaccaria was a great priest and minister, and is known for establishing two congregations: The Society of Clerics of Saint Paul and the Angelics of Saint Paul. He helped reform morals for the faithful, and encouraged the apostolate and the laymen to work together. St. Anthony died on July 5, 1539.
St. Anthony Zaccaria may have started life as a doctor for physical illnesses, but ended life helping people heal spiritual wounds. He is the patron saint of physicians.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Saint Anthony Zaccaria, helper of the poor and the sick, you who devoted your life to our spiritual welfare, listen to my humble and hopeful prayer. Continue your work as doctor and priest by obtaining from God and healing from my physical and moral sickness, so that free from all evil and sin, I may love the LORD with joy, fulfill with fidelity my duties, work generously for the good of my brothers and sisters, and for my sanctification. Amen.

July 4th - St. Elizabeth of Portugal By: Catherine Tenny

6/26/2020

St. Elizabeth of Portugal was born in Zaragoza, Spain on January 4th, 1271. She was born to a royal family, which helped her quickly learn self-discipline and a longing for spirituality. This prepared her for the challenge of marriage at the age of 12, when she was given in marriage to Denis, king of Portugal. Elizabeth was able to live her life devoted to God through her acts of charity, such as attending mass, and her acts of piety, helping the sick, the poor, pilgrims, and others in need. At the same time she remained devoted to her husband, who was very sinful. Elizabeth long sought peace for Denis, and was finally rewarded when he gave up his life of sin. She was a peacemaker when tensions arose in several situations, even with her son and her husband, and maintained her devotion to God while carrying these burdens. Elizabeth died of hyperthermia on July 4th, 1336.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Oh God, you gave Saint Elizabeth the gift of reconciling enemies. Through her intercession, give us the courage to work for peace and charity so we may be closer to you, Amen.

July 3rd - St. Thomas the Apostle By: Pearl Joby

6/26/2020

Saint Thomas the Apostle in today's commemorated saint. Saint Thomas the apostle was born in the First Century AD Galilee, Roman Empire. Saint Thomas the Apostle, also called Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Saint Thomas the Apostle made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” Saint Thomas the Apostle was equally well-known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Saint Thomas the Apostle died in 53 CE at Saint Thomas Mount, India.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
O St. Thomas, the Apostle of India, Father of our faith, you spread the light of Christ in the hearts of the people of India. You humbly confessed “My Lord and My God” and sacrificed your life for love of him. We pray to you to strengthen us with love and faith in Jesus Christ so that we may dedicate ourselves totally to the cause of the kingdom of justice, peace, and love. We pray that through your intercession we may be protected from all trials, dangers, and temptations and be strengthened in the love of the Triune God, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

July 2nd - St. Oliver Plunkett By: Atul Thomas

6/26/2020

St. Oliver Plunkett was born on November 1st 1625 to parents of Hiberno-Norman heritage. His early education was entrusted to his cousin Patrick Plunkett, Abbot of St. Mary’s, Dublin and brother of Luke Plunkett who was the first Earl of Fingall and who later became successively Bishop of Ardagh and Meath. As an aspirant to the priesthood Oliver Plunkett set out for Rome in 1647, under the care of Father Pierfrancesco Scarampi of Roman Oratory. He was ordained a priest in 1654 and deputed by the Irish bishops to act as their representative in Rome. When he returned to Ireland he tackled drunkenness among the clergy. On the enactment of the Test Acts in 1673, which were a series of English penal laws that served as a religious test and brought that only people taking communion in the established Church of England were eligible for public employment and had severe penalties, St. Oliver did not agree with the acts for doctrinal reasons which led to the college closing and being demolished. Oliver Plunkett went into hiding but was later arrested. He was later found guilty of “promoting the Roman faith”. Oliver Plunkett was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn on 1 July 1681. He was the last catholic martyr to die in England. St Oliver Plunkett is the patron saint for peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Most Holy St Oliver, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, our Church honours your sacrifice and invokes your help in seeking God’s almighty power. St Oliver, inspire our Church and Pope. Guide them in new ways to enlighten and draw the vulnerable, lost and non-believers to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Help all souls in our troubled world to find everlasting faith in the Risen Christ. Assist me St Oliver, in my imminent necessities, as I now humbly place my request in your special care but, may the will of God the Father be done. (Share your request) Lord Jesus Christ, I ask you to look on this, my prayer, with mercy and compassion. Amen.

July 1st - Blessed Junipero Serra By: Nikhil Justin

6/26/2020

Saint Junipero Serra was born on November 24, 1713 on an island in Spain. Most of his childhood was spent in a classroom, first as a student of theology and then a professor. When he turned 35, Saint Junipero Serra gave it all up and then followed his desire to work as a missionary and convert people. Serra went to Vera Cruz, Mexico and worked there for 18 years to convert native peoples. He went to Mexico City to settle his differences with a military commander. During his time in Mexico, he was in danger most of the time due to military commanders, non-Christian native peoples and even a bite he received from an insect that would be sometimes life-threatening. Saint Junipero Serra dealt with a lot of pain and suffering. However, even through all of this, he managed to baptize 6,000 people in his life. Junipero Serra passed away from tuberculosis on August 28, 1784. During his lifetime, Serra founded 8 missionaries and 12 more were founded after his death. Junipero Serra always had the motto to always go forward and never back and the word zeal described him best. He is the patron saint of vocations to the Church ministry.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

O God, in Your ineffable mercy, You chose Saint Junípero Serra as a means of gathering many peoples of the Americas into Your Church. Grant that through his intercession our hearts may be united in You in ever greater love, so that at all times and in all places we may show forth the image of Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

June 30th - The 1st Martyrs of the Church of Rome By: Rona Roy

6/26/2020

In A.D. 64, a huge fire of unknown origin destroyed a large section of Rome. The empire of Rome at the time, Emperor Nero, blamed the Christians for the start of fire. He used the fire as an excuse to persecute and kill the Christians. Some were put into animal skins and hunted, crucified and even burned alive. Although we don’t know the total number of martyrs, on this day we remember each martyr and their firm faith even during the time of their death.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
O God, just as the first martyrs of the church of Rome remained in prayer and stayed faithful during their persecution, help us to remember you even during the most difficult moments in our life. Amen.

June 29th - St. Paul By: Riya Roy

6/26/2020

Paul, whose original name was Saul, was a Jew from Tarsus. He was an influential Pharisee, who had a strong hatred towards Christians. Paul believed that Christians were preaching against the Law of Moses and spent much of the first half of his life persecuting Christians. However, during Paul’s journey to Damascus, he had a vision that changed his life. After this powerful vision, he became a devout Christian and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel to the world. During the next 20 years, he preached ceaselessly and established several churches and communities in Asia Minor. St. Paul’s feast day is June 29 and he is the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers, journalists, authors, public workers, rope and saddle makers, and tent makers. Saint Peter was a native of Bethsaida and was one of the 12 apostles who followed Jesus Christ. He is known for his “little faith” as he doubted Jesus several times. There were many notable times when Peter didn’t truly believe in Jesus until he saw proof, and we have learned those stories at a young age and they are also present in the Gospel. Saint Peter was the first pope and died in Rome. It is said that he was crucified on the Vatican Hill with his cross upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die the same way Jesus did.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Lord help us follow the example of Saint Paul and preach the good news in our daily life. Give us strengths to continue to bring love and peace to others and help us to overcome our weaknesses so that we can serve you every day. Amen.