St.Bernard of Clairvaux Abbot Confessor Doctor of the Church (1091-1153)

St.Bernard came from one of the leading noble families of Burgundy (France). Raised in piety by his mother, he decided at 22 to give up his knightly career and become a monk. His great persuasive powers were already evident when, in 1113, seeking admission from St Stephen Harding to the Cistercian monastery of Citeaux, he brought along 30 like-minded companions, including his widower father, an uncle and four brothers!

Bernard’s spiritual progress in the monastery was rapid, and after barely three years he was placed at the head of a group of 12 monk who were to establish a new foundation at Clairvaux, whose name meant “Valley of light”. And at this place a new light emanated from his personal magnetism, enthúsiastic love of God,......

St.Pius X Pope Confessor (1835-1914)

To restore all things to Christ, in order that Christ may be all in all” was the motto of this 258th successor of Peter. And succeed in his endeavour he certainly did! For there was no aspect of the Church in which he did not enter, to discern, direct, determine, relaunch  the Liturgy, the Sacraments, catechesis, homiletics, Biblical study, Canon Law, sacred art and music, the social apostolate, priestly formation, matters ecclesiastical, whatever.

Born Giuseppe Melchiore Sarto on 2 June 1835 to Giovanni Battista and Margherita Sanson Sarto at Riese in the diocese of Treviso, Italy, Pius X was the epitome of simplicity and humility, yet firm and decisive...............

Queenship of Mary

The solemnity of the Assumption is prolonged in the celebration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary which occurs seven days later. On this day we contemplate her who, seated beside the King of Ages, shines forth as Queen and intercedes as Mother,” said Pope Paul VI (Marialis Cultus 6).

From the earliest centuries of the Church, Christians have addressed fervent prayers and hymns of praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because of her eminence, she-is entitled to the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any creature, for she is the glorious Queen of the universe.

Christians have always acknowledged the royal excellence of the Mother of God whose Son “will reign in the house of Jacob for ever” (Lk 1:32)...........

Blessed Bernard Tolomei Monk, founder (1272-1348)

Born in Siena on 10 May 1272, Bernard was ever keen on entering religious life but could not do so in his youth due to lack of paternal consent. He went on to serve in the armies of King Rudolph I, studied law and became podesta (magistrate) of Siena. His craving for a life of solitude and simplicity, however, got the better of him as, together with a few like-minded companions, he withdrew into solitary confinement in 1313. In 1319, they were given the white habit and the Benedictine Rule by Bishop Guido of Arezzo.

Bernard then founded the monastery of Monte Oliveto, from which emerged the highly centralized Olivetan Benedictine Congregation whose hallmark was primitive penitential observance.........

St.Rose of Lima Virgin (1586 -1617)

Isabella de Florez, to call this saint by her baptismal name, was born in Lima, the capital of Peru, of poor Puerto Rican parents. She took the name Rose Marie when she was confirmed at the age of 11 by Archbishop St Turibio. Like her role model, St Catherine of Siena, she led a rather austere life of prayer, fasting and severe mortification within her family circle, even as she helped support it through her exquisite lace and embroidery work.

In the garden behind her home, with her brother’s help, she built a small cell of sun-dried bricks. Here she would retire for prayer and a short nightly rest on.....