Susanna, Japanese Catholics, were arrested by the pagan Japanese authorities for having lodged missionary priests in their home. As the two stood before the judge, Susanna took into her arms their three-year-old daughter and asked that their child’s name be added to the official list of Christians. Several days later, as the couple was being led away, Susanna took her husband’s hand and said to him, “I believe that they are going to torture us. I am going away first, and I hope with the help of God to remain faithful; I expect of you a like firmness.” The torturers assailed Susanna’s modesty by stripping her and hanging her from a tree by her hair. They then tied Susanna’s daughter to her feet, leaving the two suspended and exposed to the bitter cold for eight hours. After surviving this ordeal, Susanna was bound around the neck with an iron collar and chained to a column in a kitchen, where she was kept thus as a slave for the next six months. On July 12, 1626, Susanna was beheaded, after which her husband Peter was burned at the stake.
Born in Skänninge, Sweden, in the 13th century, St. Ingrid lived under the spiritual direction of Peter of Dacia, a Dominican priest. She was the first Dominican nun in Sweden and in 1281 she founded ... continue readingMore Saint of the Day
St. Bridget arrived in Ireland a few years after St. Patrick. Her father was an Irish lord named Duptace. As Bridget grew up, she became holier and more pious each day. She loved the poor and would often bring food and clothing to them. One day she gave away a ... continue readingMore Female Saints
St. Michael the Archangel - Feast day - September 29th The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the warcry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief ... continue reading
The name Gabriel means "man of God," or "God has shown himself mighty." It appears first in the prophesies of Daniel in the Old Testament. The angel announced to Daniel the prophecy of the seventy weeks. His name also occurs in the apocryphal book of Henoch. He was the ... continue reading
Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. Damon is said to have been afflicted with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers throughout his town and other lands to find some ... continue reading
By F. K. Bartels
If there is any message which can be drawn from St. Augustine's life, and there are many, it is the message of repentance and conversion. This is a message the world desperately needs to hear today. It is one of heartfelt dedication to Christ as Master, Teacher and ... continue readingMore Christian Saints & Heroes