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‘The Word of God abides’: St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church

He is author of the earliest recorded systematic teachings of the Catholic faith. He suffered persecution and banishment for adherence to the truths of the faith. Ultimately, he was declared a Doctor of the Church for his exemplary writings explaining the tenets of the faith. He is St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386 A.D.). whose feast we celebrate on March 18.

North American Sanctity: Blessed Elías del Socorro Nieves

“Every priest who preaches the Word of God in times of persecution,” Blessed Elías del Socorro Nieves said, “has no escape; he will die like Jesus on the Cross, with arms tied.” His feast day is March 10.

North American Sanctity: Blessed Maria Concepción Cabrera Arias de Armida

“It is of vital urgency to have a clear awareness of what the Cross of Christ means, of what it accomplishes in the mystery of the person," wrote Blessed Maria Concepción Cabrera Arias de Armida (feast day March 3), the first Mexican laywoman, wife, and mother to be beatified in the Catholic Church. 

North American Sanctity: Blessed Sebastián de Aparicio

Have you every heard of Blessed Sebastián de Aparicio (1502-1600)? He is the patron saint of travelers and hailed as the “Angel of Mexico.”  A handsome, smart, affluent man, he lived a life of ascetism and service to others. Later in life, he became a Franciscan friar. We celebrate his feast day on Feb. 25.

It's not just a chair, but a teaching office

"The Catholic Church has a feast day to a chair?" you may ask. Yes, and we should remember to be grateful, particularly on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle on Feb. 22, for Christ's loving protection of His Church.

A life of heroic virtue: St. Peter Damian

He was a monk, cardinal, and Doctor of the Church. He confronted kings and clergy, lived a life of heroic virtue, and was a prolific writer for the Church. He is St. Peter Damian (feast day: Feb. 21), known for his Church reforms, diplomatic ability, holiness, and great theological mind. 

Saint Valentine Who?

On Feb. 14, introducing the most famous saint whom no one really knows much about. Father Dan Cambra, MIC, explains.

Visit Lourdes, France, with Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC

On the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (Feb. 11), join the Superior General of the Marian Congregation, the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, on a video  pilgrimage to the sacred shrine in France.

North American Sanctity: St. José Sánchez del Rio

Martyred for his refusal to deny Christ, 14-year-old St. José Sánchez del Rio (feast day: Feb. 10) was a member of the Cristeros, a group of landowners, ranchers, and sharecroppers who revolted against the anti-Catholic government of Mexico in the 1920s. The first article in a new series on saints and future saints from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The Akathist Hymn

The Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Mother of God (the Theotokos) is one of the most well-loved services of devotion in the Eastern Church. Reciting the hymn is one way to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.

North American Sanctity: St. Felipe las Casas Martínez

A bit of a rebel in his youth, St. Felipe de las Casas Martínez (feast day: Feb. 5) went on to become a martyr for the faith and Mexico’s first saint, as well as the patron saint of Mexico City.

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