Author Archives: Catholic Fun Facts

Born at Jarrow, England in 673.  At the age of three, he was sent to the monastery to be educated.  He became a monk of the Benedictines and was ordained at the age of 30.  He was considered the most learned man of his day.  He spent most of his time at the monastery, except for a few brief visits elsewhere.  His works comprise all branches of knowledge:  history, astronomy, music, philosophy, etc.  The best known of his historical works is “Ecclesiastical History of the English People”, which is a complete history up to 731.  He was called the “Venerable” because of his wisdom, which was formalized at the Council of Aachen in 853.  He was declared the only English Doctor of the Church.  He died May 25, 735.

 FEAST DAY:  May 25

PATRON OF:  Lectors

BIOGRAPHY BOOKS

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

The first three commandments

Today’s Question-

Our first obligation according to the Ten Commandments is ____________

(a) to honor our parents     (b) to keep holy the Sabbath     (c) to have faith in the one true God and no other.

The brothers were born in Nantes, Brittany, to a notable Roman-Gallo family.  Donatian converted to Christianity, and his edifying life led his brother, Rogatian to desire the sacrament of Baptism.  Persecution was rampant at this time, and the Bishop was in hiding so there was no opportunity for his Baptism.  Donatian was accused of being a Christian, and by refusing to worship to the gods, he was imprisoned.  Soon after, his brother, Rogatian, was also sent to prison for following Christ.  They spent the night in prayer and declared they were ready to suffer anything for the Name of Jesus.  On May 24, about the year 287, they were stretched on the rack and then beheaded.  (St. Rogatian then received a Baptism of Blood).

FEAST DAY:  May 24

VOTIVE STANDS

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

(a)  Exodus

Today’s Answer-

Which commandments pertain specifically to the love of God?

Born at Voltaggio, Italy in 1698.  He was ordained in 1721, and shortly after he was diagnosed with epilepsy.  He labored for the next 40 years which would have taxed the strength of a robust man.  He ministered to the sick and poor in the night hospice for paupers and in the hospital of the Trinity.  Early morning and late night found him seeking out cattle drivers and teamsters in the Roman market instructing them for the Sacraments.  He felt pity for the homeless women and girls begging on the streets at night.  He used his pittance received in Mass stipends to rent a house for them.    He spent many hours hearing confessions.  He succeeded to the canonry of St. Mary in Cosmedin in 1735 and turned his income over to charitable causes.  He preached as many as five or six times a day in churches and chapels.  His health broke down and he retired to the hospital of the Trinity where he died of a stroke May 23, 1764.  He died penniless but was buried at the expense of the hospital and received a funeral that was a veritable triumphal procession in his honor.  He was called the “Hunter of Souls”.

 FEAST DAY:  May 23

MUSIC

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

False

Today’s Answer-

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses following what miraculous and saving event?

(a) Exodus     (b) Exile     (c) Flood

St. Rita was born in Spoleto, Italy in 1381 the only child of elderly parents.  St. Rita wanted to enter the convent, but being an only child of elderly parents, they forced her to marry so she could take care of them.  Her husband was abusive.  After he was murdered, she joined the Augustinian order. One day she received an unusual stigmata – an open gaping bleeding wound on her forehead.  Since it was found to be repulsive, she remained out of sight.  Because she endured all these troubles, she is the patron of impossible situations.

 FEAST DAY:  May 22

PATRON OF:  Impossible cases, abused and battered women

MIRACULOUS MEDALS

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

(a) Differences of talent

Today’s Question-

Individuals and businesses need not use natural resources prudently.  True or false?

St. Cristobal and his twenty-four companions lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico.  The government was determined to weaken the Catholic faith of the people of Mexico.  All the Catholic churches, schools, and seminaries were closed.  All foreign clergy were forced to leave Mexico.  St. Cristobal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jolisco.  During the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-1928) St. Cristobal and his other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics.  St. Cristobal, twenty-two diocesan priests, and three laymen were all martyrs.  The three laymen, David, Manuel, and Salvador, died with their parish priest.  They all belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established to spread the Good News.  They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.

 FEAST DAY:  May 21

ROSARIES

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

QUIZ

Yesterday’ Answer-

True

Today’s Question-

What is it that creates a natural obligation for generosity among people?

(a) differences of talent     (b) equality     (c) sense of the good

He was born at Massa in the territory of the Republic of Siena in 1380.  He was orphaned at an early age.  A pious aunt educated him as if he were her own.  He became a member of the Confraternity of Our Lady.  He served the sick in hospital, and when the great pestilence broke out in 1400, he served them and persuaded other young men to help.  He joined the Fathers of the Strict Observance of the Order of St. Francis.  After becoming a priest, he devoted himself to preaching.  He labored for 14 years in his own country extolling devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.  He became the apostle of Italy in the 15^th century.  Three times he refused Bishoprics.  His sermons brought about wondrous results.  Ever humble, he sought to conceal the talents given to him by God.  After 5 years of being Vicar- General of the Strict Observance, he obtained his release and went on to the work of preaching.  He died in 1444.

FEAST DAY:  May 20

PATRON OF:  Advertising, lung problems, public relations

VESTMENTS

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

Charity or law of love

Today’s Question-

The common good cannot be achieved without peace.  True or False?

He was born around 1253 at Kermartin in Brittany.  His father, a landowning farmer, sent him to Paris to receive a higher education.  He gained distinction in philosophy, theology, and canon and civil law.  He was appointed a diocesan judge on his return to Brittany, first to  the Bishop of Rennes and later to the Bishop of Treguier.  He carried out his duties in a propitious manner with special concern for the poor and lowly.  He became known as the “poor man’s advocate”.  He tried to avoid conflicts without having to go to court.  When he became a priest in 1284, he devoted himself to parish work, but he continued to use his legal knowledge for his parishioners.  He lived frugally and preached the Word of God to his people.  He died May 19 after spending his life instructing his people in spiritual and temporal things.

FEAST DAY:  May 19

PATRON OF:  Lawyers

BIBLES

RESPONSORIAL  PSALM

Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

False

Today’s Answer-

What is the greatest commandment which helps us to respect others and act justly?

St. John was elected Pope upon the death of Pope Hormisdas in 523 even though he was only an archdeacon.  Theodoric, the Goth, was the ruler of Italy at that time.  He favored the Arian brand of Christianity.  Theodoric tolerated and favored his Catholic subjects.  When John’s accession to the Papacy occurred, Theodoric’s policy under went a change.  He thought that the members of the Roman Senate, Constantinople, and the Emperor Justin I were plotting against his views.  Theodoric was convinced to negotiate with a delegation, headed by Pope John, to settle matters.  It was successful and also brought about the reconciliation of the Western and Eastern Churches which were plagued by a schism since 482.   Theodoric again thought they were plotting against him and ordered that when they returned to Ravenna they were to be imprisoned.  Pope John died a short time later as a result of his treatment.

FEAST DAY:  May 18

E-BOOKS

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

(b) Hope

Today’s Question-

To be happy is a personal quest and doesn’t concern what happens to others.  True or false?

He was born in the Kingdom of Aragon in 1540 where he spent his early childhood as a shepherd.  While tending his sheep, he carried a book with him and begged those who he met to teach him the alphabet.  In a short time he learned to read.  Leading a solitary life as a shepherd, he read many pious books and meditated and advanced rapidly in perfection.  At about the age of 24, he petitioned the Franciscans to admit him into their Order.  He  resolved to avoid rich monasteries because he said he was born poor and resolved to die in poverty and penance.  He became a lay brother in the Reformed Franciscans, and he led a perfect life in this austere Order.  He had a special devotion to our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.  God often favored him with ecstasies and raptures.  St. Paschal also had a singular devotion to the Blessed Virgin.  He died May 17, 1592.

 FEAST DAY:  May 17

PATRON OF:  Eucharistic Congresses

CHALICES

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

Love

Today’s Question-

What virtue protects us from discouragement and directs our expectations toward eternal happiness?

(a) faith     (b) hope     (c) love

He was consecrated to God after he was cured of a disease through the prayers of his parents.  After his ordination, he went to a parish in the city of Prague.  He was a great preacher and those who heard him changed their way of life.  He did many kind deeds for the needy people of the city after being invited to the court of Wenceslaus IV.  The Queen chose him as her confessor.  Fr. John taught the queen to patiently bear her cross of cruelty from the king.  The king tried to get Fr. John to tell him what she confessed.  When he refused, he was thrown into prison.  Again he was asked to reveal her confession which he again refused to do.  The king promised him riches and honors if he did so.  Again he refused.  The king ordered him tortured and to be thrown into the river.  A strange brightness appeared upon the water where he drowned.  He is known as the Martyr of the Confessional.

 FEAST DAY:  May 16

PATRON OF:  Confessors

BOOK

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.

QUIZ

Yesterday’s Answer-

True

Today’s Question-

The greatest of all virtues and without which “I am nothing” according to St. Paul is _________________.