Thomas Becket was born in London in 1118.  A cleric of the diocese of Canterbury, he first became chancellor to the king and then in 1162 was chosen bishop.  His tireless defense of the rights of the Church against Henry II prompted the king to exile Becket to France for six years.  After returning to his homeland, he endured many trials and in 1170 was murdered by agents of the king.

FEAST DAY- December 29

STATUES

Responsorial Psalm

Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

Pentecost

Today’s Question-

Who is the successor of St. Peter, the Church’s supreme pastor?

This feast day remembers and honors the infants that were killed by order of King Herod following the birth of baby Jesus.  Herod was hoping that in having all baby boys 2 years old and younger, killed, the “newborn king of the Jews” would be slaughtered as well.  The early church fathers called the innocent babies martyrs.  From the first century, they have been honored in the Liturgy of the church.

FEAST DAY- December 28

PATRON OF- Babies

E-BOOKS

Responsorial Psalm

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

(c) the prophets

Today’s Question-

What is the feast day of the Holy Spirit celebrated 50 days after Easter?

St. John was the youngest of the apostles.  He lived in Jerusalem and Ephesus.  Present at the Transfiguration, he was also at the foot of the cross and remained  with Mary when Jesus was crucified.  Jesus gave His mother into his care.   After being thrown into a vat of boiling oil, he was not harmed.  He was banished to Patmos where he received visions. He died in the year 100 of old age.

FEAST DAY-  December 27

PATRON OF-   Paper makers, art dealers, painters

CHASUBLES

Responsorial Psalm

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-   

  True

Today’s Question-

In the Old Testament, who were the special people through whom the Holy Spirit spoke?

(a) the Canaanites (b) the shepherds (c) the prophets

St. Stephen was a disciple of Christ as well as one of the seven deacons of the Church. He worked great wonders and signs among the people.  He was accused of blasphemy and was condemned to be stoned to death.  As he was awaiting death he asked the Lord to forgive his persecutors.  Stephen died in 34 AD as the first martyr. 

FEAST DAY- December 26

PATRON OF- Casket makers, stone workers, deacons

MEDALS

Responsorial Psalm

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

(c) Thanksgiving

Today’s Question-

The Holy Spirit was present and active at the creation of the universe.  True or False?

Legend says she was married to Publius, a pagan.  Her father was a noble Roman.  After the death of her husband, she went to Aquileia to minister to Christians suffering persecution during the reign of Diocletian.  She was captured with a group of pagan prisoners.  She had her hands and feet tied to the stake  and was burned to death.  She has been venerated in Rome since the fifth century.  All else about her is more likely to be fiction.

FEAST DAY- December 25

PATRON OF-Martyrs, widows

PYXES

Responsorial Psalm

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

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

True

Today’s Question-

What does the word “eucharist” mean?

(a) praise (b) sacrifice (c) thanksgiving

St. Adele, daughter of King Dagobert II of Germany, became a nun upon the death of her husband.  She had a young son for whom she made provision.  He became the future father of St. Gregory of Utrecht.  She founded  a convent near Trier and was its first abbess.  She ruled with holiness, prudence, and compassion.  She was a disciple of St. Benedict, the Apostle of Germany.  A letter in his correspondence was addressed to her.  She lived a devout life and died in 730.

FEAST DAY- December 24

GUARDIAN ANGEL MEDALS

Responsorial Psalm

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

True

Today’s Question-

According to Church Law, all baptized persons should receive confirmation.  True or False?

John was born in 1403 in the village of Kanty in Poland.  He became a professor in the University of Cracow after finishing his studies.  He tried to  instill into the hearts of his students sentiments of piety while teaching them science.  He was ordained to the priesthood and strove for the greater   glory of God.  He became a true pastor of souls, striving to change them from their carelessness and indifference.  He tried to show himself as father and friend to his people.  He resumed his teaching after some years.  On a pilgrimage to Jerusalem he preached “Jesus Crucified” to the Turks.  Four times he walked to Rome to make a pilgrimage.  He ate very little and practiced severe discipline of his body.  After distributing all he had to the poor, he died in 1474.

FEAST DAY- December 23

FONTS

Responsorial Psalm

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

Baptism

Today’s Question-

Those who are confirmed share more completely in Christ’s mission than those not confirmed. True or False?

Mother Cabrini, an Italian nun, founded the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.  She wanted to serve in China, but Pope Leo XIII wanted her to serve all the poor immigrant Italians who were going to the United States.  Mother Cabrini and six nuns traveled to New York in 1889.  They opened schools, hospitals, charitable institutions all across the United States for Italians.  She was canonized “Mother Cabrini” by Pope XII in 1946.  He formally named her Patron of Immigrants.

FEAST DAY- December 22

PATRON OF- Immigrants, hospital administrators

ROSARIES

Responsorial Psalm 

Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

(c) Chrism oil

Today’s Question-

Confirmation follows in the wake of what other sacrament?

Born in Holland (when it was part of Germany) May 8, 1521, Peter Canisius joined the Society of Jesus at 22years of age.  He was a great preacher and theologian.  He wrote a German catechism to bring the German speaking Protestants back to the church.   His life was devoted to reforming the church.  He is considered the “Second Apostle” of Germany after Boniface.  Died in 1597.

FEAST DAY- December 21

AUDIO/CD

Responsorial Psalm

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer

(d) Anointing

Today’s Question-

What is the name of the perfumed oil used in the sacrament of confirmation?

(a) oil of the sick (b) chrism (c) oil of catechumens

St. Dominic from Spain, was Abbot of the order of St. Benedict.  He was renowned for the miracles he had wrought for the liberation of captives. 

FEAST DAY- December 20

PATRON OF- Captives

SAINT BOOKS

Responsorial Psalm

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Quiz

Yesterday’s Answer-

(b) Pentecost

Today’s Question-

Which name is not used for the sacrament of reconciliation?

(a) penance  (b) absolution  (c) confession  (d) anointing