天主教长青家园

Also known as Mother Caritas; Caritas Brader; Karolina Brader Zahner; Maria Josefa Carolina Brader; Mary Charity of the Love of the Holy Spirit; Mary Josephine Caroline; María Caridad of the Holy Spirit; María Charitas of the Holy Spirit Memorial 27 February Profile The only child of Joseph Sebastian Brader and Maria Anna Carolina Zahner. Raised in a pious family, she was known as a highly intelligent child, and received the best education her parents could provide. There were high expectations for the girl's future, but instead of continued study she felt a call to the religious life. Mary Josephine joined the Franciscan convent at Maria Hilf, Alstatten 1 October 1880, taking the name Mary Charity of the Love of the Holy Spirit, and making her final vows on 22 August 1882. She was initially assigned as a teacher. When it became possible for cloistered nuns to work as missionaries, Sister Caritas volunteered to be one of the first six sisters to work in Chone, Ecuador in 1888. She worked for five years as a teacher and children's catechist. In 1893 she was transferred to Tùquerres, Colombia where conditions were rough but where she taught the faith to the poor and outcast. To prepare additional missionaries she founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Tuquerres, Colombia on 31 March 1893. Initially composes of young Swiss girls with a call to missionary work, they were soon joined by Colombian and other local women. Caritas served as Superior General for the Congregation from 1893 to 1919, and again from 1928 to 1940. The Sisters emphasized good education for themselves and their charges, and deep prayer lives for everyone. They received papal approval in 1933, and today work in Central and South America, Mexico, Switzerland, Mali, Romania and the United States. Born 14 August 1860 in Kaltbrunn, Switzerland as Maria Josefa Carolina Brader at Kaltbrunn, Saint Gallen, Switzerland Died 27 February 1943 in Pasto, Colombia; her grave immediately became a site for pilgrimage and popular devotion Venerated 29 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II Beatified 23 March 2003 by Pope John Paul II Canonized pending

Readings It is His will - Blessed Caritas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The better educated, the greater the skills the educator possesses, the more she will be able to do for our holy religion and the glory of God, especially when virtue is the vanguard of her knowledge. The more intense and visible her external activity, the deeper and more fervent her interior life must be. - Blessed Caritas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See God's will in everything, and to do His will with joy, out of love of Him. - Blessed Caritas

FRUCTUOSUS of Braga Memorial 16 April Profile Son of a Gothic general, and member of a noble military family. Studied at the seminary in Palencia. From an early age, Fructuosus felt a call to the religious life. Orphaned when young. When he came of age, Fructuosus gave away his family fortune to the poor, bought the freedom of slaves, and founded several monasteries. By 647 he had founded houses in Lusitania, Asturia, Galicia, and the island of Gades. Feeling that he lacked contact with God, he left the houses and friends, and became a hermit in the desert of Galacia. His reputation for holiness and wisdom attracted students, sometimes entire families. He built monasteries for them, placed them under the Benedictine Rule, and served as abbot. He attracted so many disciples that the king limited the number of men who could join; he feared there would not be enough young men to man the army. Again feeling that the outside world was taking too much of this time, Fructuosus planned to flee further into the wilderness, this time to the deserts in Egypt. However, the king got word of the plan, decided too many people depended on his leadership, and ordered him not to leave the country. Bishop of Dumium in 654. Archbishop of Braga, Portugal in 656. Wrote two monastic rules, one of which was designed to allow families to remain together, yet live monastic lives. Born early 7th century Spain Died 16 April 665; his deathbed was a pile of ashes he had placed before the altar; relics translated to Santiago de Compostela in 1102; his tomb became a place for pilgrimages, and a scene of miracles Canonized Pre-Congregation Representation monk with a stag, which relates to a story that he saved one from hunters, and it became a devoted pet

MARTIN of Braga Also known as Bracara; Martin of Dumio Memorial 20 March Profile Nothing certain is known of him until 550 when he introduces communal monasticism into Galatia. Abbot at Dumio. Bishop of Dumio by May 561. Archbishop of Braga by 572. Missionary to the Arian Suevians. Writer who left text of his homilies and sermons, and moral, liturgical, and ascetical treatises. Born 515-520 at Pannonia Died 580 at Braga, Portugal

Sanctes Brancasino Memorial 14 August Profile Franciscan lay-brother at Scotameto, Italy. Born Monte Fabri, Italy Died 1490 of natural causes Beatified by Pope Clement XIV Canonized pending

BRANDAN Also known as Beandan; Breandan Memorial 11 January Profile Monk. Migrated to Britain. Persecuted by Pelagian heretics, he sought refuge in a monastery in Gaul. It became his new home, and he eventually became abbot of the house. Born 5th century Irish Died of natural causes Canonized Pre-Congregation

THEODORE Also known as Grapti (the written upon); Theodore the Branded; Theodore the Lettered-Upon Memorial 27 December Profile Son of Venerable Jonah the Presbyter. Brother of Saint Theophanes. Grew up in Jerusalem as a pious youth, but little is known of his early life. Monk at Saint Sabas' laura in Jerusalem. Known for his intelligence and fidelity to their rule. Strong defender of sacred images during the time of the inconoclasts. Persecuted for their beliefs by Byzantine iconoclast Emperor Leo V the Armenian beginning c.813. Priest. Sent as the Patriach's emissary to the court in Constantinople to persuade Leo not to interfere in ecclesiastical matters. Leo had Theodore scourged, then exiled him and Theophanes to a barren island in the Black Sea. After Leo's death, the brothers returned to the monastery in 820. They were tortured and banished again in 829 when the iconoclast emperor Theophilus came to power. Recalled to Constantinople in 831 they were offered the chance to discuss matters with the iconoclasts and change their minds. They refused, and their tormenters took two days to cut a 12-line iambic verse into their foreheads. They were then tortured and banished to Apamea, Bithynia. Theodore died in prison, and is considered a martyr. Born c.775 at Kerak, Moab (Trans-Jordan) Died martyred c.841 at Apamea, Bithynia from the privations of prison life Canonized Pre-Congregation

Readings These men have appeared at Jerusalem as vessels full of the iniquity of superstitious error, and were driven thence for their crimes. Having fled to Constantinople, they forsook not their impiety. Wherefore they have been banished from thence and thus stigmatized on their faces. - translation of the verse cut into the forehead of Saint Theodore

MARIA CRISTINA dell'Immacolata Concezione

Also known as Maria Cristina Brando; Sister Maria Cristina of the Immaculate Conception Memorial 20 January Profile Born to a wealthy family, the daughter of Giovanni Giuseppe and Maria Concetta Marrazzo; her mother died with Maria was only a few days old. The girl was educated at home, felt an early call to religious life, and attended Mass daily. At age twelve she took a personal vow of chastity, and soon after tried to enter the monastery of the Sacramentine Nuns in Naples, but was stopped by her father. She eventually gained his approval to enter the Poor Clare monastery at Fiorentine, but twice fell severely ill, and had to return home. Upon her recovery she returned to Naples and joined the Sacramentine Nuns as she had wanted originally, making her vows in 1876, and taking the name Sister Maria Cristina of the Immaculate Conception. Her health broke again, and she was forced to return home. Seeing the constant failure as a sign, while renting a room with the Teresiane Sisters of Torre del Greco in 1878 she founded the group that would become the Congregation of the Sisters, Expiatory Victims of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, which returned papal approval on 20 July 1903. Though they had money trouble, and Maria's health continued to suffer, the Congregation grew quickly, received help from Venerable Michelangelo of Marigliano and Blessed Ludovico of Casoria, and settled in Casoria where Maria served as superior general of the Congregation. Noted for her strong prayer life, devotion to the birth and Passion of Christ, and the Eucharist, she slept every night in a chair in a small grotto where she could rest near the exposed Host. Born 1 May 1856 in Naples, Italy Died 20 January 1906 of natural causes Beatified 27 April 2003 by Pope John Paul II Canonized pending

Titus Brandsma

Also known as Anno Sjoera Brandsma; Shorty Memorial 26 July Profile Pious youth from a pious family; three of his four sisters were nuns, and a brother became a Franciscan priest. Had the nickname Shorty. Good student who felt an early call to the priesthood. Entered a Franciscan minor seminary from ages 11 to 17, but health problems, primarily an intestinal disorder, prevented him becoming a Franciscan. Joined the Carmelites at Boxmeer, taking the name Titus, and making his first vows in 1899. Spoke Italian, Frisian, Dutch, and English, and could read Spanish. Translated the works of Saint Teresa of Avila from Spanish to Dutch, publishing them in 1901. Ordained in 1905 at age 24. Doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian Univeristy in Rome in 1909 at age 28. Taught at the Carmelite seminary at Oss, Netherlands. Editor of the local daily newspaper in 1919; often seen working with a cigar in his mouth. Taught philosophy at Catholic University, Nijmegen, Netherlands. Superior of the university's Carmelite student house. Popular confessor. Widely travelled orator, journalist, author, and lobbyist for the university. University president in 1932. Appointed ecclesiastical advisor to Catholic journalists in 1935. Conducted a speaking tour throughout the United States beginning in 1935. In 1935 he wrote against anti-Jewish marriage laws, which brought him to the attention of the Nazis. He later wrote that no Catholic publication could publish Nazi propaganda and still call itself Catholic; this led to more attention. Continually followed by the Gestapo, the Nazi attention led to his arrest on 19 January 1942. For several weeks he was shuttled from jail to jail, abused, and punished for ministering to other prisoners. Deported to the Dachau concentration camp in April 1942. There he was overworked, underfed, and beaten daily; he asked fellow prisoners to pray for the salvation of the guards. When he could no longer work, he was used for medical experiments. When he was no longer any use for experimentation, he was murdered. Martyr. Born 23 February 1881 at Bolsward, Friesland, Holland as Anno Sjoera Brandsma Died 26 July 1942 by lethal injection at Dachau concentration camp; his executioner was a nurse who had been raised Catholic, but left the Church; body cremated, and no relics remain Beatified 3 November 1985 by Pope John Paul II Canonized pending Prayers Prayer Before a Picture of Jesus Private Novena Prayer

Writings Prayer Before a Picture of Jesus Spirituality of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance Letter from Dachau Prison, 12 July 1942

Readings Not my will but yours be done! -what Blessed Titus would shout during torture and medical experiments

BRANNOCK Also known as Barnoc; Brannoc Memorial 7 January Profile Monk. Migrated to Devon, England. Founded a monastery at Braunton, Devonshire, England, and served as its first abbot. Born 6th century Welsh Died of natural causes; buried at the monastery he founded at Braunton, Devonshire, England Canonized Pre-Congregation

ANTIMUS of Brantôme Memorial 28 January Profile Benedictine abbot at Brantome, France. Died 8th century Canonized Pre-Congregation

BRANWALLADER Memorial 19 January Profile Bishop of Jersey, England. Died 6th century of natural causes; some of his relics were translated by King Athelstan in 935 Canonized Pre-Congregation

BRAULIO Memorial 26 March on general calendar; 18 March in Spain Profile Son of Gregory of Osma, a Hispano-Roman bishop. Monk at Saint Engratia's monastery, Zaragoza, Spain. Studied in Seville, Spain under Saint Isidore. Ordained in 624 by his brother John, archbhishop of Zaragoza. Archdeacon to John. Bishop in 631, and archbishop of Zaragoza. Noted scholar, writer, correspondent, and exceptional hagiographer. Advisor to kings of Spain. Fought Arianism, and converted the Visigoths from the heresy. Attended councils in Toledo in 633, 636 and 638. Collaborated with Saint Isidore to create his encyclopedic work, the Etymologies, which partially led Isidore to be proferred as the patron of computers and the Internet. His eyesight became extremely poor as he aged; we have letters in which he complained bitterly of the loss, as it put a stop to his studies. Born c.590 Died c.651 at Zaragoza, Spain; buried in the church of Nuestra Senora Merced del Pilar Patronage Aragon Spain

Martyrs of Brazil Profile On 25 December 1597 an expedition of colonists, with two Jesuit and two Franciscan evangelists , arrived at Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The region was colonized by Portuguese Catholics, but was invaded by Dutch Calvinists who soon took over the whole territory. They immediately made a policy of the persecution of Catholics. On Sunday 16 July 1645 at Cunhau, Brazil, 69 people were gathered in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Candles for Mass celebrated by Father Andre de Soveral. At the moment of the elevation a group of Dutch soldiers attack the Chapel, murdering many of the faithful including Father Andre; the parishioners died professing their faith, and asking pardon for their sins. On 3 October 1645 200 armed Indians and a band of Flemish troops, led by a fanatical Calvinist convert, hacked to death an unknown number of people of Rio Grande including Blessed Ambrosio Francisco Ferro and Blessed Mateus Moreiras. Ambrosio Francisco Ferro Andre de Soveral Mateus Moreiras Died martyred in 1645 Beatified 5 March 2000 at Rome, Italy by Pope John Paul II Canonized pending

JOHN Bread-and-Water Also known as John Pan y Agua Memorial 14 December Profile Cistercian lay-brother at Sangra menia abbey, Spain. Received his nickname due to his life-long bread-and-water fast. Died c.1150 Name Meaning God is gracious; gift of God (John)

BRANDAN Also known as Beandan; Breandan Memorial 11 January Profile Monk. Migrated to Britain. Persecuted by Pelagian heretics, he sought refuge in a monastery in Gaul. It became his new home, and he eventually became abbot of the house. Born 5th century Irish Died of natural causes Canonized Pre-Congregation

WILLEHAD Also known as Willihad of Bremen Memorial 8 November Profile Educated at York, England. Benedictine monk. Priest. Friend of Saint Alcuin. Evangelist throughout western Europe. Worked in Frisia in 766, preaching in Dokkum, Overyssel, Humsterland, and Utrecht, but was driven out by violent pagans. Sent by Charlemagne to evangelize the Saxons in 780, but was expelled in 782 following a revolt by King Widukind against Charlemagne's rule. Pilgrim to Rome. Copied manuscripts at the abbey of Echternach. Following Charlemagne's re-conquest of the Saxons, Willehad became bishop of Bremen in 787, a seat he held until his death. Built the cathedral there, and many churches throughout his see. Born 8th century in Northumbria, England Died 789 in Bremen, Germany of natural causes Canonized Pre-Congregation Patronage Saxony Representation bishop overturning idols

BRENACH Also known as Brynach Memorial 7 April Profile Contemporary of Saint Patrick. Missionary to Wales. Converted a large part of Wales, including Brecan, ruler of South Wales who then founded many churches throughout the region. Born Irish Canonized Pre-Congregation

BRENDAN of Birr Also known as Breandan of Birr; Brandan of Birr; Brandon of Birr; Brendan of Biorra; one of the Twelve Apostles of Erin; Prophet of Ireland Memorial 29 November Profile Friend and brother monk with Saint Brendan the Navigator at Clonard abbey. Spiritual student of Saint Finian. Founded the monastery at Birr in central Ireland c.540, and served as its abbot. Friend and advisor of Saint Columba. At Brendan's death, Columba had a vision of the abbot's soul being carried away by angels. Born Irish Died c.573 at Birr, Ireland of natural causes Name Meaning prince ( = Breandan Gaelic)

Readings Most glorious ascetic and chief of Ireland's Prophets, O Father Brendan, thou wast a bright beacon in the western isle guiding many to salvation. At thy heavenly birthday the Angels rejoiced and miraculously announced their joy to our Father Columba. The prayers of the righteous avail much for us sinners. Wherefore O Saint, pray to God for us that He will find us a place in the Mansions of the Blest. Troparion of Saint Brendan of Birr

Francisco Castells y Brenuy

Also known as Francesc Castells y Brenuy Memorial 13 August Profile Priest in the diocese of Urgell, Spain. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War. Born 31 July 1876 in Pobla de Segur, Pallars Jussà, Lleida, Spain Died martyred on 13 August 1936 at Salàs de Pallars, Pallars Jussà, Lleida, Spain Venerated 19 April 2004 by Pope John Paul II Beatified 29 October 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI; recognition celebrated by Cardinal Saraiva Martins at Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy Canonized pending