William, an English priest who had come to Denmark to evangelize the country, became bishop of Roskilde in 1044. Denmark was then ruled by the nominally Catholic king, Sweyn Estridsen. When on a certain New Year's Eve drunken revelers at a royal banquet had made insulting comments about the king, the monarch sent his guards after the offenders to slay them as they were attending the late night office of Matins at a nearby church. The next morning, as King Sweyn approached the same church to attend Mass, he was confronted at the door by Bishop William, attired in his episcopal vestments. William barred the way with his crosier, telling the king, "Stand back, executioner!" The king's courtiers drew their swords, ready to strike down the bishop, but he stood his ground and offered his neck, declaring himself ready to die in defense of the Church. The king turned and retreated in shame. Later, he came back to the church, barefooted and divested of his royal robes, to express his deep contrition. William went to greet him and gave him absolution for his crime. For the rest of their lives, the two remained close friends.
St Pantaleon came from Nicomedia, near the Black Sea, in Asia. He was such a famous doctor that the Emperor himself chose him for his own doctor. Pantaleon was a Christian, but the bad influence from ... continue readingMore Saint of the Day
Yes, there is a St. Julia and here is her story: St. Julia was born of noble parents in South Africa. When she was still quite young, her city was conquered by barbarians. Julia was captured and sold as a slave to a pagan merchant, but she did not complain or feel ... 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
When Sulpicius Severus first met Martin of Tours he was stunned. Not only did the bishop offer him hospitality at his residence -- a monk's cell in the wilderness instead of a palace -- but Martin ... continue reading
By Deacon Keith A Fournier
On July 15th in the Liturgical Calendar of the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, we commemorate the life, holiness, work and death of a great Bishop and Doctor named Bonaventure. He was born in 1218, became a Franciscan Friar in 1243, and died in 1274. A friend ... continue readingMore Christian Saints & Heroes