Saint Stephen of Hungary

**S. Stephani Hungariae Regis Confessoris** refers to **Saint Stephen of Hungary**, also known as **Stephen I of Hungary**. He was the first King of Hungary and is considered the founder of the Hungarian state. He was born around 975 and died on August 15, 1038. He was canonized by Pope Gregory VII in 1083.

Saint Stephen is celebrated for his efforts to convert Hungary to Christianity and for establishing a stable and organized kingdom. He is also known for his piety and dedication to the Church. His feast day is celebrated on **August 16** in the Roman Catholic Church.

The title "Confessor" indicates that he was a saint who suffered for his faith but was not martyred. Saint Stephen is often depicted in royal attire, holding a church or a model of a church, symbolizing his role in building the Church in Hungary.

Saint Stephen of Hungary, also known as Stephen I of Hungary, was born around 975 in Esztergom, Hungary. He was originally named Vajk and was the son of Grand Prince Géza and his wife, Sarolt. Stephen was baptized by Archbishop Saint Adalbert of Prague in 985, at which time he took the name Stephen.

Stephen married Gisela of Bavaria, the sister of Duke Henry II of Bavaria, around 995 or 996. This marriage helped to strengthen Hungary's bond with the Holy Roman Empire. When his father died in 997, Stephen became the Grand Prince of the Hungarians. He had to contend for his rulership against other family members and rival factions, but ultimately he succeeded.

Stephen was crowned the first King of Hungary on December 25, 1000, or January 1, 1001, with a crown sent by Pope Sylvester II. He unified the Carpathian Basin through a series of wars against semi-independent tribes and chieftains. Stephen established at least one archbishopric, six bishoprics, and three Benedictine monasteries, leading the Church in Hungary to develop independently from the archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire.

Stephen was known for his efforts to convert Hungary to Christianity and for establishing a stable and organized kingdom. He encouraged the spread of Christianity by meting out severe punishments for ignoring Christian customs. Hungary enjoyed a lasting period of peace during his reign and became a preferred route for pilgrims and merchants traveling between Western Europe, the Holy Land, and Constantinople.

Saint Stephen died on August 15, 1038, and was buried in his new basilica, built in Székesfehérvár and dedicated to the Holy Virgin. He was canonized by Pope Gregory VII in 1083, together with his son, Emeric, and Bishop Gerard of Csanád.

From the Breviary
Stephen, King of Hungary, brought the faith of Christ and the title of kingdom to his country. He obtained his royal crown from the Pope, and, when he had been anointed King at the Pope's command, he offered his kingdom to the Apostolic See. He founded various religious houses at Rome, at Jerusalem, and at Constantinople. In Hungary, with wonderful devotion and generosity, he established the archiepiscopal See of Esztergom and ten other bishoprics. He was famous for his great love of the poor and his constancy in prayer. He ardently venerated the Mother of God, declaring her the Patroness of Hungary and building a very large church in her honour. In turn, he was received into heaven by the Virgin on the Feast of her Assumption, which in Hungary, by edict of the Holy King, was called the Day of the Great Lady. By decree of Pope Innocent XI, however, the Feast of this saintly King is kept on the day on which, with his help, the Christian army, in a hard-fought engagement, recovered the strongly fortified citadel of Buda.

(1) Stephen I of Hungary - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_I_of_Hungary.

(2) St. Stephen of Hungary | EWTN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/stephen-of-hungary-773.

(3) Saint Stephen of Hungary - My Catholic Life!. https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-16-saint-stephen-of-hungary/.

(4) Saint Stephen of Hungary - FIND THE SAINT. https://bing.com/search?q=Saint+Stephen+of+Hungary+life.

(5) Saint Stephen of Hungary - Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute: Saints .... https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_stephen_of_hungary.

HYMN:Iste Confessor

Why is Jesus called the Resurrection and the Life

Jesus is called the **Resurrection and the Life** because of His unique role in granting eternal life and demonstrating power over death. This title is derived from His statement in **John 11:25-26**, where He says to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."

In the Douay-Rheims Bible, Jesus is called the Resurrection and the Life in John 11:25-26. Here is the passage:

Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live: And every one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this?

This statement is made by Jesus to Martha, affirming His power over life and death and His ability to grant eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Here are some key reasons why Jesus is referred to as the Resurrection and the Life:

1. **Power Over Death**: Jesus demonstrated His power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43). This miracle showed that He has authority over life and death.

2. **Eternal Life**: Jesus offers eternal spiritual life to His followers. Believing in Him grants eternal life with God, which begins the moment one believes and continues beyond physical death.

3. **Resurrection**: Jesus' own resurrection from the dead is the ultimate proof of His power over death. It confirms His identity as the Son of God and assures believers of their own future resurrection.

4. **Spiritual Renewal**: Jesus brings spiritual renewal and awakening to those who are spiritually dead. He calls people to rise from their spiritual slumber and receive the light of life.

In summary, Jesus is called the Resurrection and the Life because He has the power to give life, both physically and spiritually, and to overcome death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Homily by St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo 44th Discourse on the Words of the Lord

That her son was called again to life was the joy of that widowed mother; that souls of men are every day called to life is the joy of our Mother the Church. He was dead in body they have been dead in mind. His death was outward, and was outwardly bewailed; their inward. Death hath been neither mourned for nor seen. But He hath sought for them, Who hath seen that they are dead, and He only hath seen that they are dead, Who hath been able to make them alive. If He had not come to raise the dead, the Apostle had not said: "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

This passage reflects on the miracle of Jesus raising the widow's son from the dead, as described in **Luke 7:11-17**. It draws a parallel between the physical resurrection of the widow's son and the spiritual resurrection that occurs within the Church. Here is a breakdown of the key points:

- **Joy of the widowed mother**: The physical resurrection of her son brought immense joy to the mother.

- **Joy of the Church**: The spiritual resurrection of souls brings joy to the Church, which is referred to as "our Mother."

- **Physical vs. Spiritual Death**: The widow's son was dead in body, while the souls of men are often dead in mind or spirit. The physical death was outwardly mourned, while spiritual death is often unseen and unmourned.

- **Jesus' Role**: Jesus seeks out those who are spiritually dead and has the power to bring them back to life. This is emphasized by the Apostle's words: "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

This passage highlights the transformative power of Jesus, both in physical miracles and in the spiritual renewal of believers. It underscores the importance of spiritual awakening and the joy it brings to the Church.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus

**S. Raymundi Nonnati Confessoris** refers to **Saint Raymond Nonnatus**, who is a confessor. Saint Raymond Nonnatus was born in 1204 in Portell, Catalonia, Spain, and died on August 31, 1240. He is known for his dedication to the Mercedarian Order, which was founded to ransom Christian captives from the Moors.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the **patron saint of childbirth, midwives, children, pregnant women, and priests who want to protect the secrecy of confession**.

He is called "Nonnatus" (Latin for "not born") because he was delivered by Caesarean section after his mother died in childbirth. Saint Raymond Nonnatus is remembered for his piety, humility, and dedication to the service of others. He is often depicted with a padlock on his lips, symbolizing his vow of silence to protect the secrecy of confession.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus is a revered figure in the Roman Catholic Church. His name "Nonnatus" means "not born," as he was delivered by Caesarean section after his mother died in childbirth.

**Life and Mission**:

- **Early Life**: Raymond's early life was deeply spiritual, leading him to join the Mercedarians in Barcelona. This religious order, founded by St. Peter Nolasco, was dedicated to ransoming Christians enslaved by the Moors.

- **Ransoming Captives**: Raymond became the primary ransomer, taking dangerous journeys to free captives. He traveled to North Africa, where he ransomed 250 captives in Algiers and surrendered himself as a hostage for 28 captive Christians when his money ran out.

- **Suffering and Courage**: While in captivity, Raymond continued to evangelize, leading to the conversion of several Muslims. This act enraged the local governor, who ordered him to be executed by impalement. However, Raymond's life was spared due to his potential high ransom value, but he was brutally punished.

- **Return and Recognition**: After eight months, Peter Nolasco ransomed him, bringing him back to Barcelona. In 1239, Pope Gregory IX appointed him a Cardinal in recognition of his selfless acts and deep spirituality.

**Legacy and Patronage**:

- **Patron Saint**: Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the patron saint of childbirth, midwives, children, pregnant women, and priests who want to protect the secrecy of confession.

- **Feast Day**: His feast day is celebrated on August 31.

- **Miracles**: Countless miracles have been attributed to Saint Raymond, both during his lifetime and posthumously. In 1657, the Catholic Church officially recognized these miracles and canonized him.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus is remembered for his piety, humility, and dedication to the service of others. He is often depicted with a padlock on his lips, symbolizing his vow of silence to protect the secrecy of confession.

(1) Raymond Nonnatus - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Nonnatus.

(2) Saint Raymond Nonnatus – Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church. https://stgg.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-raymond-nonnatus/.

(3) St. Raymond Nonnatus - Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-raymond-nonnatus/.

(4) Saint Raymond Nonnatus - Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute: Saints .... https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_raymond_nonnatus.

Saint Rose of Lima

**Saint Rose of Lima**, also known as **S. Rosae a Sancta Maria Limanae Virginis**. She was born in **Lima, Peru** in **1586** and is known for her piety and chastity. Her birth name was **Isabel Flores de Oliva**, but she was given the nickname "Rose" due to her exceptional beauty.

She is the **patron saint of the Americas, Peru, embroiderers, florists, gardeners, needleworkers, and people ridiculed for their piety**⁵. She was canonized by **Pope Clement X** in **1671**.

Saint Rose of Lima is remembered for her deep devotion to God and her acts of penance. She often spent long periods in prayer and practiced severe asceticism⁵. Her feast day is celebrated on **August 23**.

From the Breviary:
The first flower of holiness in South America was the maiden Rose. She was born of Christian parents at Lima and in her cradle early gave signs of her future sanctity, for the child's face was wonderfully transformed into the likeness of a rose, and this gave her her name. Lest she be compelled by her parents to marry, she secretly cut off her lovely hair. The austerity of her life was most singular. She took the habit of the Third Order of St. Dominic and followed the difficult path of St. Catherine of Siena. For fifteen years, she would suffer terribly for hours at a time from desolation of spirit and from aridity, and bravely bore agonies more bitter than any death. Through frequent apparitions, she enjoyed a wonderful companionship with her Guardian Angel, St. Catherine of Siena, and the Virgin Mother of God, and she was privileged to hear Christ say these words, Rose of my Heart, be thou my bride. Famous for many miracles both before and after her death, she was enrolled in the list of holy Virgins by Pope Clement X.

Saint Rose of Lima, born **Isabel Flores de Oliva** on **April 20/30, 1586** in **Lima, Viceroyalty of Peru** (now Peru), was the first person born in the Western Hemisphere to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron saint of Peru and all of South America, as well as of embroiderers, gardeners, and florists.

From a young age, Rose was drawn to penitential practices and a spiritual life. Her mother initially wanted her to marry and refused to allow her to pursue a religious life. To deter suitors, Rose cut off her hair and blistered her skin with hot peppers. After a ten-year struggle, her mother relented, and Rose became a Dominican of the third order in 1606. However, her parents did not permit her to live in a convent, so she chose strict enclosure and contemplation in a hut in the family garden.

Rose practiced severe austerity and asceticism, regularly wearing a crown of thorns, fasting, sleeping only a few hours a night on a bed of potsherds, and self-flagellating.

She experienced numerous visions, particularly of the Devil. Despite her reclusive lifestyle, she was devoted to the sick and hungry in her community, often bringing them to her hut to care for them. She was skilled in needlework and sold her fine lace and embroidery, as well as the flowers she grew in her garden, to help her family and raise funds for the poor.

Saint Rose of Lima experienced numerous mystical visions throughout her life. Some of the notable visions include:

1. **Visions of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus**: Saint Rose claimed that the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus visited her frequently.

2. **Mystical Ring from Christ**: During one vision, she received a mystical ring from Christ, symbolizing her spiritual marriage to Him.

3. **Visions of Jesus, the Mother of God, and the Saints**: She frequently had visions of Jesus, the Mother of God, and various saints, with whom she conversed and received spiritual guidance.

4. **Visions of the Devil**: Saint Rose also experienced visions of the Devil, which she interpreted as tests of her faith and devotion.

Saint Rose of Lima wrote about her visions. Some of her writings were discovered in 1923 by Friar Luis Getino in the room where she died, which is now the Chapel of the Monastery of Saint Rose. These notes provide insights into her mystical experiences and spiritual life.

Additionally, an excerpt from her writings focuses on the role of afflictions, tribulations, and struggles as the access to the unfathomable riches and treasure of divine grace. These writings highlight her deep spiritual insights and her understanding of suffering as a path to divine grace.

Her visions played a significant role in her spiritual life and contributed to her reputation for holiness and mysticism.

Saint Rose of Lima died on **August 24, 1617**, in Lima. Her funeral was an occasion of public honor, and many miracles were said to have occurred after her death. She was beatified in 1668 by **Pope Clement IX** and canonized by **Pope Clement X** on **April 12, 1671**.

(1) Saint Rose of Lima | Biography, Early Life, Patron Saint, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Rose-of-Lima.

(2) Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin - My Catholic Life!. https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-30st-rose-of-lima/.

(3) CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Rose of Lima - NEW ADVENT. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13192c.htm.

(4) Rose of Lima - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_of_Lima.

Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

The phrase **"In Decollatione S. Joannis Baptistæ"** refers to the **Beheading of Saint John the Baptist**. This event is commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, on **August 29th** each year. The term "decollatione" is derived from Latin, meaning "beheading" or "decapitation." Saint John the Baptist is a significant figure in Christianity, known for baptizing Jesus Christ and his role as a prophet. The beheading of Saint John the Baptist is a solemn event remembered for his martyrdom.

Saint John the Baptist is a significant figure in Christianity, known for his role as a prophet and for baptizing Jesus Christ. Here are some key points about him:

- **Birth and Family**: John the Baptist was born in the 1st decade BCE in Judaea, Palestine, near Jerusalem. His parents were Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth, who was a relative of the Virgin Mary.

- **Role and Mission**: John the Baptist is revered as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He preached about the imminence of God's Final Judgment and baptized those who repented in preparation for it. He is also known as Saint John the Forerunner in Eastern Orthodoxy and John the Immerser in some Baptist Christian traditions.

- **Baptism of Jesus**: John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

- **Martyrdom**: John the Baptist was sentenced to death and subsequently beheaded by Herod Antipas around 28-36 CE. This was after John rebuked Herod for divorcing his wife and unlawfully marrying Herodias, the wife of his brother.

- **Feast Days**: The Roman Catholic Church commemorates the Nativity of John the Baptist on June 24 and his Beheading on August 29.

- **Patronage**: John the Baptist is invoked as the patron saint of baptism, monastics, hermits, converts, tailors, prisoners, and many other occupations and causes.

John the Baptist is a revered figure not only in Christianity but also in Islam, where he is known as Prophet Yahya. His life and mission have had a profound impact on religious history and traditions.

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Saint Hermes

**Saint Hermes** was a martyr who lived during the early Christian period. Here are some key points about him:

- **Birth and Death**: Saint Hermes was born in Greece and died in Rome as a martyr in **120 AD**.

- **Veneration**: He is venerated as a saint by both the **Catholic Church** and the **Eastern Orthodox Church**.

- **Feast Day**: His feast day is celebrated on **August 28th**. - **Relics and Pilgrimage**: Some of his relics were given to Spoleto by Pope Gregory the Great, and others were brought to Ronse in Belgium, where a church was later built in his honor¹ He became known for curing mental illnesses, and a pilgrimage in his honor sustained the local economy.

- **Historical Records**: His name appears in the **Martyrologium Hieronymianum** and the **Depositio Martyrum** (354 AD).

Saint Hermes is remembered for his steadfast faith and martyrdom.

¹: [Wikipedia](^1^)
²: [DBpedia](^2^)
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