天主教长青家园

HARTMANN of Brixen Memorial 23 December Profile Educated by Augustinian monks at Passau. Dean of the cathedral of Salzburg in 1122. Bishop of Brixen. Counselor to his parishioners, the poor, his clergy, popes and emperors. Great benefactor to those in religious life in his diocese, especially the Benedictines. Born at Polling, Austria Died 1164 of natural causes Beatified 1784 (cultus confirmed)

BROCARD Also known as Burchard

Memorial 2 September Profile Monk on Mount Carmel. Prior of his house. He asked Saint Albert, patriarch of Jerusalem, to write a rule for the monks. In 1195 his rule became the foundation for the Carmelite Order. Pope Honorius III objected to its use because it did not have his prior approval. The Pope received a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary who supported the rule; Honorius gave his approval. Brocard ruled his house for 35 years, setting an example for devotion to the rule, and gaining great respect from the region's Muslims.

Born French

Died 1231 of natural causes

Lucy of Narni

Lucy Brocolelli; Lucy de Alessio; Lucia Broccadelli

Memorial

14 November Profile The eldest of eleven children of Bartolomeo Broccadelli and Gentilina Cassio. A pious child, at age five she received a vision of Our Lady, and at age seven she saw Mary and received a scapular from Saint Dominic de Guzman. By age twelve she had taken private vows and had decided to become a Dominican. However, her father died, she was placed in the care of her uncle, and at age 15 she was betrothed in an arranged marriage to Count Pietro de Alessio of Milan, Italy. Her fondness for Pietro and her duty to her family conflicted with her desire for the religious life, and the stress caused her to become ill until she received a vision of Mary, Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine. She finally married the count, but he understood that they would live as brother and sister. Lucy took over the operation of the count's household. She taught catechism to the servants, began caring for the local poor, and spent her evenings in prayer. The servants claimed that Saint Catherine, Saint Agnes of Rome and Saint Agnes of Montepulciano helped her bake bread for the poor. At one point Lucy simply walked away from home, planning to become an anchorite; she claimed that Saint Dominic brought her back as she had other things to do; her husband had her locked up, possibly for what he considered her own safety. This became the breaking point for them; a few weeks later Lucy returned to her mother's home. Pietro eventually became a Franciscan and noted preacher. In 1496 she moved to Viterbo, Italy, and joined a group of Dominican tertiaries. Her visions continued, she began to fall into ecstacies during prayer, and received the signs of the stigmata. Word of her visions and actions got around, and curiosity seekers came to gawk at her. Her bishop investigated her himself, but did not come to any conclusion about the nature of her visions, and referred her to the Inquisition. They investigated, reached no decision, and referred her to the Vatican. The Pope, with the help of Blessed Columba of Rieti, decided that the mystical signs were of God, and asked Lucy to pray for him. Lucy returned to Viterbo where the locals were excited to have her back. However, the count of Ferrara, Italy who had just built a convent of Saint Catherine of Siena in Narni, asked Lucy to serve as its prioress; she agreed, with the plan to make it a house of very strict observance. This triggered a two-year conflict between the two cities which actually led to armed conflict when the count sent troops to Viterbo in 1499 to escort her to the convent. There she ran into additional problems as many novices were unable to live under the strict rules; there was sometimes a circus atmosphere at the house as the count brought visitors to show off Lucy, and would demand that she show signs of stigmata. In 1505 the Dominicans replaced her as prioress, and the new superior had her confined; for her remaining 39 years she lived in silence, speaking only to her confessor, completely obedient, never complaining, utterly forgotten by the outside world, and spending all free time in prayer, frequently going into ecstacies and receiving visions. Born 13 December 1476 in Narni, Umbria, Italy as Lucy Brocolelli Died 15 November 1544 at the Saint Catherine of Siena convent in Ferrara, Italy of natural causes; miracles were reported at her tomb, people began to visit her grave to pray, and she was re-interred twice to make it easier for them; interred in the cathedral in Ferrara; body incorrupt Beatified

1 March 1710 (cultus confirmed) by Pope Clement XI

 

 Bearchan; Bracan; Broccan; Brochan

Memorial 8 July Profile Sixth or seventh century scribe and bishop of Mothil, Waterford, Ireland. May have been the nephew of Saint Patrick, and may have served as his secretary.

Canonized Pre-Congregation

BROGAN

 Memorial 1 January

Profile Mentioned in the Gorman Martyrology. No other information has survived. Canonized Pre-Congregation

BROGAN

Memorial 9 April

Profile Mentioned in the Gorman Martyrology. No other information has survived.

 

Canonized Pre-Congregation

BROGAN

Memorial :27 June

Profile: Mentioned in the Gorman Martyrology. No other information has survived.

 

Canonized: Pre-Congregation

BROGAN

 Memorial: 20 August

Profile: Mentioned in the Gorman Martyrology. No other information has survived.

 

Canonized: Pre-Congregation

BROGAN

Memorial: 17 September

Profile: Seventh century abbot of Ross Tuirc, Ossory, Ireland. Author of a hymn to Saint Brigid.

 Canonized: Pre-Congregation

Gerard of Brogne

 Memorial :

3 October

 Profile

Belgian noblility; son of Stance and Plectrude. Raised in a military atmosphere. Courtier to the Count of Namur. Disappointed by court life, and ashamed of the many privileges he received from his family and military post, Gerard realized that he was called to the monastic life. He found Belgian monasteries too lax in their discipline. While visiting France in 917 on a mission from the Count, Gerard decided the life of the monks of Saint Denis was right for him. He settled his worldly affairs, and took vows at the monastery. There Gerard became an example to other monks in following the Rule, and in his devotion to prayer. His life, and his encouragement of the brothers, helped Saint Denis becoming an example for monasteries throughout Europe. Ordained, but wrestled with feelings of inadequacy as a priest. After 11 years, the abbot asked Gerard to return home to form a monastery there. Abbot of the new monastery, he soon gained renown for his strict observance of the Benedictine Rule. This led many religious and political leaders to request that he reform monasteries throughout Flanders, Lorraine, and Champagne. Near the end of his life Gerard returned to the monastery he built, and spent the rest of his life there in solitude and prayer.

Born

c.895 at Staves, Namur, Belgium

Died

3 October 959 at Brogne, Belgium

Bron

Memorial

 8 June

Profile

 Spiritual student of Saint Patrick. Bishop of Cassel-Irra, Ireland.

 Died

c.511

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

BRONISLAVA of Poland

Bronislawa of Poland; Bronislawa Odrowaz

Memorial

30 August

Profile

 Cousin of Saint Hyacinth of Poland. Related to Saint Jacek and Blessed Czeslaw. Premonstratensian nun. Hermit.

Born

 1200 at Kamien, Poland as Bronislawa Odrowaz

Died

29 August 1259 at Zwierzyniec, Poland

Beatified

 23 August 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI (cultus confirmed)

Bronislaw Markiewicz

Memorial

 29 January

Profile

 Sixth of the eleven children of John Markiewicz and Marianna Gryziecka; his father was the mayor of Pruchnik, Poland. Raised in a pious family, but at one point nearly lost his faith due to the anti-Church atmosphere of his school. Seminarian at Przemysl in 1863. Ordained in the diocese of Przemysl for Latins on 15 September 1867. Parish priest at Harta and the cathedral of Przemysl for six years. Studied at the University of Leopoli and University of Cracow. Parish priest at Gac in 1875. Parish priest at Blazowa in 1877. Taught pastoral theology at the seminary at Przemysl in 1882. Joined the Salesians near Turin, Italy in November 1885, making his final vows on 25 March 1887. Spiritual student of Saint John Bosco. Contracted tuberculosis in 1889, and nearly died. Returned to Poland on 23 March 1892 where he served as parish priest at Miejsce Piastowe and began a concerted effort at youth ministry. Started a trade school for poor and orphaned boys, and soon had hundreds of children in his care. Founded the Society of Moderation and Work in 1898 to work with youth based on the spirituality of Saint John Bosco; the associated magazine Moderation and Work began publication on 16 July 1898. Opened an orphanage in Pawlikowice which soon had over 400 residents. The endless work finally broke his health, and at age 69 he lost his battle with consumption. Born 13 July 1842 at Pruchnik, archdiocese of Przemysl dei Latini, Poland

Died

29 January 1912 at Miejsce Piastowe, Poland of complications related to tuberculosis

Venerated

2 July 1994 by Pope John Paul II

Beatified

19 June 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI recognition celebrated by Cardinal Jozef Glemp in Pilsudski Square, Warsaw, Poland

Canonized

 pending

BROTHEN

Memorial

18 October

Profile

 No information has survived.

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Patronage

Llanbrothen Wales

FELIX of Cantalice

 Ass of the Capuchins (his own nickname for himself); Brother Deo Gratias ("Deo Gratias" was his habitual greeting)

Memorial

 18 May

Profile

Born to pious peasants, he was a shepherd in his youth. At age nine he was hired out as a shepherd and farm hand at Cotta Ducale; he worked there over twenty years. A pious youth and man, Felix spent his free time in prayer. Having little education, he had a friend read him the lives of the early Desert Fathers; they left him torn - he wanted to live as a hermit, but feared he would give in to temptation if he had no superior. He sought entrance to the Capuchins; they were hesistant, but finally accepted him as a lay brother in 1543 at Anticoli near Rome. Sent to Rome in 1547 as questor for the community; he stayed there the rest of his life. Felix's reputation for holiness spread quickly. He could not even read, yet theologians consulted him on spiritualality and Scripture. Sinners on the street would hide from him when it became obvious he could see their sins, and knew their hearts. Felix preached in the street, rebuked corrupt politicians and officials, and exhorted young men to stop leading dissolute lives. Once during Carnival, a time of open vice in the streets, Felix and Saint Philip Neri organized a procession of Capuchin friars right into the middle of the revellers; Fra Lupo, a well-known Capuchin preacher, spoke to the crowds, and Carnival ended for the year. Felix worked with the children of Rome; his inherent simplicity and lack of education made him rather childlike, and children trusted him. He composed simple teaching canticles, and had the children gather in groups to sing them as a way to teach them catechism. The canticles became well-known and popular, and while Felix was begging for his house, Roman citizens would invite him in to sing for them; he saw these invitations as opportunities to teach, and always jumped at them. During the famine of 1580, the city fathers asked the Capuchins for the loan of Felix as a fund raiser; he was tireless in the work. His friend, Saint Philip Neri, considered Felix the greatest saint then living. Saint Charles Borromeo sought Saint Philip's help to draw up the constitutions of the Oblates of Saint Ambrose; Philip referred him to Felix as a the best advisor. Slept little, ate what came to hand, attended Mass every morning. Had a great devotion to Our Lady; he frequently recited the rosary, sometimes swept away in ecstacy, unable to finish the prayers. Received a vision of the Virgin Mary during which he was allowed to hold the Christ Child in his arms. Acclaimed a saint by the people of Rome immediately after his death.

Born

18 May 1515 at Cantalice, Abruzzi, Italy

Died

18 May 1587 at Rome, Italy of natural causes; so many came to his funeral that some were injured in the press to get into the church, and an extra door had to be knocked through one wall so they could exit; buried under an altar in the church of the Immaculate Conception in Rome; miracles reported at his tomb

 Beatified

 1 October 1625 by Pope Urban VIII

Canonized

 22 May 1712 by Pope Clement XI Representation holding the Infant Jesus in his arms; with Saint Philip Neri and Saint Charles Borromeo; Capuchin carrying a beggar's wallet

HILDEGUN Also known as Joseph; Brother Joseph

Memorial

20 April

Profile

Dressed as a boy for her own safety, she accompanied her father on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. On her return home, she kept the male disguise, joined the Cistercian monks at Schonau, and lived the rest of her life as a brother. Legend describes her as a miracle worker, and her sex was discovered only on her death. Of all the old stories with this theme, Hildegun's has the best and most convincing documentation by her own order.

Born

 in the Rhineland

Died

1188

Bartholomew Longo

Also known as Bartolo Longo; Bartolomea Longo; Bartolomeo Longo di Latiano; Brother Rosary; Fratel Rosario; Herald of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Rosary; Man of Mary

Memorial

 5 October

Profile

Son of a physician, Longo was born financially well off, and received a good education, both secular and Christian, and attended a Piarist school until age sixteen. Raised in a pious family; they prayed the Rosary together each night. An excellent student, he was skilled in literature, oratory, fencing, dancing, music, and other arts, could play flute and piano, directed a school band; was also known to be restless, and had difficulty sitting through classes. Studied law at the University of Naples where received his degree in 1864, but where he fell into a dissolute and worldly life. Following a philosophy class taught by a fallen-away priest, Longo moved from indifference to the Church to ridicule, to open hostility. He participated in street demonstrations against the Pope, then dabbled in occult nonsense like magnetism and spiritism, tipping tables and contacting the spirit world through mediums. Burning his bridges, he finally became a Satanist, and with some further study, a Satanist priest. Bartholomew's family and friends refused to give up on the young man, praying for his return to the faith, and pecking away at his interest in Satan. Vincente Pepe, a respected professor from his home town, convinced him to turn from the occult, and a Dominican friar named Father Albert guided him through his return to the Church in a process we would today call deprogramming. Longo finally recovered his senses and his faith, and became a Dominican tertiary on 25 March 1871, taking the name Fratel Rosario (Brother Rosary). Bartholomew wanted to do something to make amends for his apostasy, and began preaching against the occult in the places where college students frequented. Father Albert helped him join a group of local lay people working for the poor. Seeing the terrible, grinding poverty that was the lot of most, he wanted to do something to help, and had a sudden inspiration that the Rosary would become the key. He established a shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in the valley of Pompei and used a discarded painting of Mary under that title as its visual. Pilgrims came, miracles occurred, the crowds grew, and the local bishop asked Bartholomew to construct a new church. Work on the church began in 1876, it was dedicated in 1887, given to the papacy on 19 February 1894, was designated a basilica in 1901 by Pope Leo XIII, and today receives about 10,000 pilgrims a day. Bartholomew and Mariana, the widowed Countess di Fusco, constructed other charitable institutions nearby forming what became known as the City of Charity or City of Mary. To staff the orphanage in the City, Longo founded the Daughters of the Rosary of Pompeii. He established a trade school for the Sons of the Imprisoned, boys whose fathers were in jail, and placed it under the direction of the Brothers of Christian Schools. The success of the school disproved the contemporary assumption that children of criminals were doomed to be criminals themselves, and in 1922 he established a sister school for the daughters of prisoners. Because Bartholomew and Mariana worked together so much, gossip developed that they were romantically involved. To prevent their good work from being tainted by this talk, the two married in April 1885, but lived together chastely in keeping with private vows. It was not enough for some, however, and in the first years of this century he was accused of adultery, profiteering, dishonesty, even insanity. In 1906, Pope Saint Pius IX asked Longo to retire as administrator for the good of the City, and he did, handing it over to the papacy, and taking a job in the City as a regular employee. Made a Knight of the Guard Cross of the Holy Sepulcher in 1925.

Born

 11 February 1841 at Latiana, southern Italy

Died

 5 October 1926 of pneumonia; buried in the crypt of the Rosary Basilica alongside his wife Mariana

Venerated

3 October 1975 by Pope Paul VI

 Beatified

26 October 1980 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized

pending

Prayers All-powerful and merciful God, in Blessed Bartolo, a promoter of the rosary of the Blessed Virgin, you showed a wonderful example of holiness and of charity for needy children and orphans. Through his prayers may we learn to see Christ your Son in our neighbors and to love him through them. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. - General Calendar of the Order of Preachers

Readings You, what have you done by taking Christ out of the schools? You have produced enemies of social order, subversives. On the contrary, what have we gained by putting Christ into the schools of the children of criminals? We have transformed these misfortunate ones into honest and virtuous young people that you wanted to abandon to their sad fate or toss into insane asylums! - Blessed Bartholomew, writing to a group of criminologists about his schools -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My only desire is to see Mary who saved me and who will save me from the clutches of Satan. - Blessed Bartholomew's last words -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wish to die a true Dominican tertiary in the arms of the Queen of the Rosary with the assistance of my holy Father Saint Dominic and of my mother Saint Catherine of Siena. - from Blessed Bartholomew's last will and testament -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rosary in hand, Blessed Bartolo Longo says to each of us: "Awaken your confidence in the Most Blessed Virgin of the Rosary. Venerable Holy Mother, in You I rest all my troubles, all my trust and all my hope!" - Pope John Paul II in his homily during the beatification ceremony for Blessed Bartholomew

Isidore of Saint Joseph