THE DOMINICAN YEAR: Month of January

03 January

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

The name announced by the angel to S. Joseph and given to the child on his circumcision, is invoked by the faithful since the beginnings of the Church as we can see in the writings of the Apostle S. Paul.

Since the beginnings of the Order, many friars are remembered for their special love shown to the most beloved Name of the Savior. After the Council of Lyons II (1274) Pope Gregory X himself specially entrusted the promotion of the praise and veneration of the Most Holy Name of Jesus to the Order under the leadership of B. John of Vercelli (1283), then Master of the Order.

This devotion was further popularized through the preaching and spiritual writings of the Dominican B. Henry Suso (1366) and the Franciscan S. Bernardine of Siena (1444) and the spread of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name.  Because of the special mandate of the Supreme Pontiffs beginning with Pius IV, our Order has labored hard for the institution of this Confraternity along with the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.

Proper liturgical formularies were widely used in liturgy and were incorporated into the Dominican rite in the XVII century. By 1720 it was inserted in the Roman Calendar for the universal Church on the already existing celebration of the Circumcision of the Lord (January 1), a feast day on which the imposition of the Most Holy Name of Jesus was especially recalled.

«The name of Jesus is the divine poem which expresses the most sublime and the most humble which the wisdom and mercy of God had revealed to save fallen humanity. This adorable name, the first announced by the angel which Mary and Joseph had imposed to the incarnate Word was also said by Pontius Pilate when he read the death sentence of the Savior. But the Father has raised him as the judge of the living and the dead, and willed that His name become the sign of salvation before those who are predestined» (B. Ildephonso Schuster).

Liturgical note: “Commemoratio”

Collect

As we venerate the most holy name of Jesus, mercifully grant us, Lord, That savoring its sweetness in this life, we may be filled with everlasting joy, in our heavenly homeland.

03 January

B. STEPHANA QUINZANI

Virgin and Sister

(1457-1530) B. Stefana was born in Orzinuovi (Lombardia, Italy) daughter of simple farmers. At age fifteen (15), she entered the community of Sisters of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic and later spent her days in Soncino where she founded and for a long period of time prudently led a monastery dedicated to contemplation and the Christian education of the young.

She fully participated in the passion of Christ and lived it with extraordinary charity.  She died in Soncino on 2 January 1530 and since 1988 her body is venerated in the Church of Saint James in the same city.  Her cult was confirmed in 1740.

Collect

God of all consolation, you made (our sister) Blessed Stephana (Quinzani) a sharer in the passion of Christ. With the help of her prayers and by following her example, may we be conformed to the image of your Son.

04 January

SAINT ZDÎSLAVA BERKIANA (OF LEMBERK)

Married woman and Lay Dominican

(c. 1220 -1232) S. Zdislava was born in Krizanov (Western Moravia). At age 20, she married Havel of Jablonné, the Lord of Lemberk, a man of confidence of king Wenceslaus I and colonizer of Northern Bohemia; they had four sons which they had educated in Christian values.

She actively welcomed and collaborated with the missionary work of the Order of Preachers, gaining from her husband the foundation of two communities and their expansion in the regions of Poland, Prussia and Bohemia.

She is considered as the first lay Dominican and benefactress of the Order. With the Dominican spirit, aside from being a perfect mother of a married woman and a mother, she dedicated herself to the evangelization of the family and her society, especially the poor and the sick.

She died in Jablonné as it was believed on 1 January, 1252. Her body is venerated in the Church of Saint Lawrence. Her cult was confirmed in 1907 and was canonized in 1995.

Liturgical note: “Memoria”

Collect

Faithful God, by her married life and works of charity you taught (our sister) Saint Zdislava (of Lemberk) to pursue the way of perfection. By her prayers, may family life be strengthened and be a witness to Christian virtue.

07 January

SAINT RAYMOND OF PEÑYAFORT

Friar, Priest and Master of the Order

(1175-1275) S. Raymond was born of the noble family in Penyafort, near the Condate of Barcelona. He dedicated himself to study, obtaining in Bologna, the academic degrees of law and was a professor in that city for about thirty years.  Returning to Barcelona, he incardinated himself among the canons of his cathedral and entered the Order in 1222 in the convent which was recently founded in honor of Saint Catherine Virgin and Martyr. 

Pope Gregory IX called him to Rome and there at the expressed desire of the Pontiff, compiled the «Decertales». He had also previously written a very useful compilation known as the «Summa casuum» on the sacrament of penance.

He was later elected Master of the Order of Preachers which he governed in wisdom and prudence and during his term of office, he prepared the second edition of the Constitutions. He possessed a great zeal for the promotion of faith among the Saracens and enjoyed great authority among the princes. He supported S. Pedro Nolasco in the foundation of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the redemption of captives.

He died at Barcelona, already a centenarian, on 6 January of 1275. He was canonized on 29 April, 1601 and his sacred remains are venerated at the gothic Cathedral of Barcelona since 1835. He is the patron saint of jurists.

Liturgical note: “Memoria”

Collect

Almighty and compassionate Father, through the life and teaching of (our brother) Saint Raymond of Penyafort, you show us that love is the fulfillment of the law. Fill our hearts with love and so make us grow in freedom as your sons and daughters.

Or (NRM)

O God who adorned the priest Saint Raymond, with the virtue of outstanding mercy and compassion for sinners and captives, grant us, through his intercession that released from slavery of sin, we may carry out in freedom of spirit what is pleasing to you.

10 January

B. GUNDISALVUS OF AMARANTE

Friar and Priest

(+1259-1262) B. Gundisalvus was born in Tagilde (Portugal).  A priest of the diocese of Braga, after a long and devout pilgrimage to the Holy Land he entered the Order of Preachers and spent his period of trial for his Dominican vocation, sought a life of reclusion and prayer in the solitude of Amarante, where he brought good to his people with his prayer, preaching and miracles. 

He died at Amarante around 1259 and his body is venerated in the Church dedicated in his honor.  His cult was granted to be honored throughout the Order on 10 July, 1671.

Collect

God of mercy and compassion, in your grace, (our brother) Blessed Gundisalvo (of Amarante) came to love your holy name and served you in the solitary life. By the help of his prayer and the grace of the spirit may we keep you in our thoughts and with burning zeal do what is pleasing to you.

10 January

B. ANN OF THE ANGELS MONTEAGUDO

Virgin and Nun

(1602-1686) Ann Monteagudo Ponce de Leon was born in Arequipa (Peru) where since age 16 has been a nun of the Dominican Monastery of Saint Catherine of Siena in her native city. For more than seventy years, she dedicated herself to God and to her people, becoming a true angel of good counsel in her different charges as the sacristan, mistress of novices and prioress.

 She lived with in tireless enthusiasm for the reform of the monastery, charity for the needy, and praying for the souls in purgatory. Her last years were characterized in a lingering illness, which she had supported with great serenity.

She died on 10 January, 1686 and her body is venerated in the monastery Church of Saint Catherine. She was beatified on 2 February, 1985.

Liturgical note: “Memoria ad libitum”.

Collect

All powerful  God in your goodness you gave (our sister)Blessed Ann (of the Angels), with gifts of contemplation and spirit of penance, and the continued service of love for neighbour, grant us through her intercession and imitating her example, we may adore with the sacrifice of praise and to diligently know your will in the signs of the times.

11 January

B. BERNARD SCAMMACCA

Friar and Priest

(1430-1487) B. Bernard was born in Catania (Sicily, Italy)  to the noble family of Scammaca.  After his conversion from a life of dissipation in his youth, he entered the Order where he later became the Vicar General of the reformed convents in Sicily.

 He was a lover of divine contemplation and lived with so much holy customs that led him to enjoy the fame as the loving father of all. 

He died on 11 January, 1487 and his body is venerated in the Church of Saint Dominic.  His cult was confirmed in 1825.

Collect

Merciful God, you led (our brother) Blessed Bernard (Scammaca) along the path of conversion and evangelical perfection. With the help of his prayers and by following his example may we have sorrow for our offenses and turn to you with hearts cleansed of sin.

15 January

S. FRANCIS FERNÁNDEZ DE CAPILLAS

Protomartyr of China

(1607-1648) S. Francis Fernández de Capillas was born in Baquerin de Campos (Palencia, Spain). In 1623 he entered the Order of Preachers in Valladolid and as a student brother, he volunteered to go to the Missions on the Far East, thus enlisting to become a son of the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary. In 1631, while still a deacon, went to the Philippines and was ordained to the priesthood and worked in the islands for almost ten years where he ministered in the missions of the Cagayan Valley and the Babuyan Islands.

He was a religious with great meekness, modesty and apostolic fervor. He had always manifested his great austerity and dedication to contemplative prayer, tempered with his great solicitude to the poor and the sick. He had always been an exemplary religious, obedient and generous to helping others.

His dream of preaching the Gospel to the pagans was finally realized when he was asked by his superiors to take the place of a friar who at the last moment was indisposed to go to the Missions in China. After months of learning the language and Chinese customs, he arrived at Fujian in 1642, in the very heart of the Dominican missions in China. The situation of that Church was precarious with a constant threat of religious persecutions and the political instability due to the Manchu incursion to empire.

Moreover, aside from working clandestinely, hiding from one place to another, S. Francis had suffered quatrain fevers and had always felt weak.

For a span of six (6) years he dedicated himself to serve the Christian communities dispersed in the mountains and valleys in the northern part of the Province. Yet despite so much misery and unfavorable situations, he and his brethren were able to strengthen the faith of the Christians, began to organize the communities with catechists and instituted the order of Virgins, incorporating them into the III Order of S. Dominic.

One day as he was returning from a sick call to his hiding place he was detained by the Manchu soldiers and was brought to the tribunal. Before the judge he confessed his faith and reaffirmed it valiantly. During his months of incarceration he underwent cruel torments, most notable was the torment of crushing of the ankles.

On 15 January, 1647, he was beheaded near a pond just outside the city walls of Fu An.

His head is venerated in the Church of Saint Paul of Valladolid. Beatified in 1909, he was canonized with the other martyrs of China in 2000.

Liturgical note: “Festum” for the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Collect

Almighty God, you inflamed the heart of your proto-martyr in China our brother Saint Francis Fernández de Capillas, with love for your passion and zeal for the salvation of those who did not yet believe. We beg you that through his prayers you may endow with holiness the people of the lands where he faithfully preached the gospel.

Or

All-powerful, ever-living God, turn our weakness into strength. As you gave your martyr Saint Francis (Fernández de Capillas) the grace to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you..

Also on the same day 15 January

S. ARNOLD JANSSEN

Priest and Founder

(1837-1909) S. Arnold Janssen was born on 5 November, 1837 in Goch, lower Rhineland (Germany). He was ordained in 1861 for the diocese of Muenster and was assigned to teach natural sciences and mathematics in a secondary school in Bocholt. There he was known for being a strict but just teacher. Due to his profound devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he was appointed as Diocesan Director for the Apostleship of Prayer, which encouraged him to open himself to Christians of other denominations.

In 1873 he resigned from his teaching post and soon after founded «The Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart». This popular monthly magazine presented news of missionary activities and it encouraged German-speaking Catholics to do more to help the missions.

With the support of a number of bishops, S. Arnold inaugurated the mission house on September 8, 1875 in Steyl, Holland, and began to gather followers to form a religious community which initially followed the Rule of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. Within a few years, many seminarians, priests and brothers were preparing for mission work. This group would later evolve into the Society of Divine Word. The first missionaries sent to the missions, specifically in China were S. Joseph Freinademetz and Bishop Johann Anzer.

With S. Maria Helena Stollenwerk, he also founded the women’s congregation known as on December 8, 1889 and a cloistered branch dedicated to Perpetual Adoration.

He died on 15 January, 1909. He was beatified in 1975 and was canonized in 2003.

Liturgical note: “Memoria ad libitum”

Collect

O God, you continue to reconcile humanity through your incarnate Word, by the intercession of Saint Arnold Janssen, your priest, graciously grant that, freed from the darkness of sin by the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace, all peoples may walk in the way of salvation.

18 January

S. MARGARET OF HUNGARY

Virgin and Nun

(1242-1270) As the daughter of King of Hungary, Bela IV and the Greek queen Maria Lascaris. She was born at Turoc (Dalmatia) in 1242. She was offered by her parents in a vow for the liberation of her nation and was entrusted to a monastery of the Order in Buda where she made her profession in 1254. 

She is considered as one of the greatest medieval mystics of Hungary. She dedicated herself exclusively to Christ in prayer, penance and the renunciation of oneself until, like an immolated lamb.  In the conventual life, despite her birth, she always took the most humble of tasks, and with a great spirit of poverty and mortification.

She has a particular devotion to the passion of Christ and the Eucharist and despite the little culture she possessed she was able reach a high degree of contemplation and accompanied by visions and other gifts from God.

She was finally called to the wedding feast of the Lamb on 18 January, 1270. Her body was venerated in the Monastery of Saint Mary of Buda in the island by the Danube River. In the XVI century, her remains were transferred to Poznam (Poland) where in the XVIII century it disappeared with the suppression of the monastery.  She was canonized on 19 November, 1943.

Liturgical note: “Memoria”

Collect

O God, guardian and lover of virginity, by your gift of grace, (our sister) Saint Margaret (of Hungary) your handmaid, joined the beauty of a virginal spirit to a life of good works. Grant us that through the spirit of penance, we may be able to renew the purity of heart.

Or:

O God of truth, through the Holy Spirit you blessed our sister Saint Margaret (of Hungary) with true humility. Teach us that same integrity so that we may constantly turn from our selfishness to your love.

19 January

B. ANDREW GREGO OF PESCHIERA

Friar and Priest

(1400-1485) He was born in Peschiera  (Venice, Italy). He entered young to the Order of Preachers and was ordained a priest.

He was then assigned from the Alpine zone of Valtellina in Northern Lombardy which was in dire need of Christian renewal. For forty-five (45) years, he dedicated himself to the evangelization throughout the region, uniting the work of zealous preaching with an exemplary Gospel life. He was an ardent friar zealous to gain all for Christ.  He was described as a consoler of the afflicted, father of the poor, master of the ignorant and guide of the sinners.

He ended his days in retirement at the Convent of Morbengo, near Sondrio (Lombardy) on 18 January of 1485. His body is venerated in the parochial Church. His cult was confirmed in 1820.

Collect

God of all holiness, you filled (our brother) Blessed Andrew (of Peschiera) with an apostolic spirit. Help us to imitate his words and example that we may advance in holiness and live fruitful lives.

Also on the same day 22 January

S. FRANCIS GIL DE FREDERICH

Friar and Bishop, and

S. MATEO ALONSO DE LECINIANA

Friar and Priest

Martyrs of Tunkin

(+1745) They were Spanish Dominican missionaries, sons of the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary.

S. Francis Gil de Frederich was born at Tortosa(Tarragona) and S. Matthew Alonso de Leciniana was from Nava del Rey (Valladolid).

Both joined the Order in Spain and volunteered to join the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary to become a missionary in the Far East. After a short time in Manila, they set sail for Tunkin where they continued their ministry in the midst of the greatest of difficulties. They were able to maintain firm in the faith, and the horrible tortures inflicted on them did not in any way persuade them to apostatize. They were beheaded in Tunkin in 1745. They were canonized in 1988.

Liturgical note:

Their liturgical “memoria” is celebrated collectively with the rest of the canonized martyrs of Viet nam on 24 November under the title of “S. Ignatius Delgado and Companion Martyrs of Viet nam”’. In the Province of the Holy Rosary, it enjoys the rank of “Festum”.

Collect

O God, who willed the lands of Viet nam to be watered by the blood of the blessed bishop Saint Francis (Gil de Frederich) and priest Saint Matthew (de Liciniana); through the pleadings of these great martyrs let it blossom with the Christian religion.

Also on the same day 22 January

B. ANTHONY DELLA CHIESA

Friar and Priest

(1394-1459) He was born in San Germano (Piedmont, Italy) and son of the Marquis della Chiesa. Despite his parents’ objections, he joined the Order of Preachers at age 20. He was a renowned preacher and confessor, and had accompanied S. Bernardine of Siena on some of his missions. 

He was a complete model of religious life and holiness. He had served as prior in various priories at Como, Savona, Florence and Bologna and He was for four times the Vicar of the reformed convents of Lombardy. He zealously tried to restore religious observance and zeal among the brethren; was merciful in the face of human weaknesses but at the same time he was firm in correcting wrongs.

He was an efficacious collaborator of Pope Eugene IV during the Western Schism, opposing the pretenses of the anti-pope Felix V.

B. Anthony was captured by pirates while at sea from Savona to Genoa but was released unharmed. He fought usury, was credited with miracles and other marvels and had the special gift of reading the consciences and hearts.

He died in Como on 22 January, 1459 and his body is venerated since 1810 at the Parochial Church of San Germano (Vercelli). His cult was confirmed in 1819.

Collect

God of mercy and compassion, you gave (our brother) Blessed Anthony (della Chiesa) the gift of divine love. By the help of his prayers may our hearts burn with that same charity and may our lives like his be witnesses to the faith and to the ministry of service.

23 January

B. HENRY SUSO

Friar and Priest

(1290-1366) also known as “Amandus”, he was born near Contanz (Germany) probably at the beginning of the XIV century and took the name of his mother’s family: Seuze (Suso)  He supported the numerous trials and infirmities, misunderstanding and even calumny. Yet he bore everything in silence and heroic patience.

He was a faithful disciple of Meister Eckhart and with him and Jan Tauler, is considered as one of the great Rhineland mystics and was very influential in the subsequent development of Christian spirituality in Europe. He was an author of spiritual works of great depth, of which the most famous is called«The Dialogue of Divine Wisdom».

His interior life was centered on the person of Christ Jesus, the eternal word incarnate; and throughout his life, he zealously preached the veneration of the Name of Jesus which he had carved in his breast.

 He died at Ulm on 25 January, 1366 and his tomb was destroyed in XVI century. His cult was confirmed in 1831.

Liturgical note: “Memoria”

Collect

God of wisdom, you called (our brother) Blessed Henry (Suso) to follow your Son and gave him the grace to mortify his body. May we follow the crucified Christ and so obtain his eternal consolation.

27 January

B. MARCOLINO AMANNI OF FORLI

Friar and Priest

(1317-1397) He was born in Forli (Aemilia Romagna, Italy). A great supporter of the reforms of B. Raymond of Capua. 

He was a counsellor and a consoler of the suffering. Humble and simple, he is distinguished for his great love for silence of solitude, his great dedication to serve the poor and children and his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was resplendent for his charity, and throughout his life, he sought to live in humility, the great teacher of holiness.

He died in Forli on 2 January 1397and his body is venerated since 1879 at the local Cathedral. His cult was confirmed in 1750. His liturgical memoria is celebrated on the 27 January.

Collect

God of live and mercy, the prayer of the humble and meek is always pleasing to you. May we follow the footsteps of (our brother) Blessed Marcolino (Amanni or of Forli) and become truly meek and humble of heart, and so more readily obtain your gifts of grace.

28 January

S. THOMAS AQUINAS

Friar, Priest and Doctor of the Church

(1225-1274) Thomas, the son of the Counts of Aquinas, was born in the Castle of Roccasecca (Lazio, Italy).

He was an oblate at the monastery of Montecasino and while studying in Naples, he began to know about the Order of Preachers and decided to join them despite the great opposition of his family. His vocation was greatly tested when he was forcibly taken and held captive of his own family to persuade him to give up his vocation as a friar. But his tenacity and heroic perseverance finally convinced them of his resolve and in the end was able to return to the Order.

He completed his studied at Cologne under the direction of S. Albert the Great. Already ordained to the priesthood, he went to the University of Paris where he began his career as a professor of Theology. He wrote many works in philosophy and Theology which greatly contributed to the development and systematization of Ecclesiastical sciences in the Order and in the Church.

He was a great doctor and famous throughout the world, who through prayer and study contemplated the message of the Christian religion which he had transmitted in numerous writings, especially his two most famous works are the «Summa Contra Gentiles» and «Summa Theologiae». He once said: «I have learned more by praying before the crucifix than from books».

He later lived and taught as a theologian and master in Naples, in Orvieto beside the Pope, in Rome, and once again in Paris and in Naples. Through the innocence of his life and the sublimity of his genius, he is later known as the “Angelic doctor”; for his wisdom, and is especially recommended to all (Vat II, Optatam Totius, 16, Gaudium et Spes 10) known as “Doctor communis”.

He was entrusted to write the office and the mass of the Body and Blood of Christ. The depth of his reflections and the poetry of his language revealed his great devotion and piety to the mystery of the Eucharist. Thus earning the title of “Doctor Eucharisticus”.

He died in full maturity when he was on his way to attend the Council of Lyon, at the Cistercian Abbey of Fossanuova (Lazio, Italy) on 7 March 1274. He was canonized on 28 July, 1323.

His body was transferred to the Dominican conventual Church of Saint James in Toulouse on 28 January, 1369, His relics were transferred in 1792 for safe keeping to the crypt of the Cathedral of Saint Sernin where it was returned to its original place in 1974.  In 1888, Leo XIII declared him as the patron of all Catholic Schools.

His feastday is celebrated today to commemorate the first translation at Toulouse on 28 January, 1369.

Liturgical note: “Festum”.

Collect

God of wisdom, you gave your Church our brother Saint Thomas, a wise and holy teacher who sought truth. As we seek you, help us and those we teach in our constant search for your truth.

Or

O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine; Grant us we pray, that we may understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished.

29 January

B. VILLANA DE’ BOTTI

Married Woman and Lay Dominican

(1332-1361) B. Villana was born in Florence (Italy) to a prominent family of rich merchants of the city. Although she greatly desired to enter religious life, her father opposed it and out of obedience she united herself in matrimony to the wealthy Pietro Rosso Benintendi, and together with her husband lived a worldly life which their wealth allowed and led a life of dissipation.

Realizing the emptiness of her life, she was touched by grace and after making a pious and thorough confession of her sinful life, she began to abhor the worldly life; after receiving permission of her husband, she joined the III Order of Saint Dominic to whom she was very devoted.

 She was distinguished for her austerity of life and her concern for the poor, even to the point to begging in the streets in their behalf. Nourished with the constant reading of the writings of S. Paul, she centered her contemplation in the passion of Christ. Her holiness and virtues drew other women to follow her example.

She died in Florence on 29 January, 1361 and her body is venerated in the Dominican Church of Santa Maria Novella.  Her cult was confirmed in 1824.

Collect

O God our merciful Father, your called (our sister) Blessed Villana (de Botti) back from emptiness of the world and aroused in her a spirit of humility and true penitence. Recreate in our hearts the power of your love and filled by that same spirit, may we serve you in newness of life.

30 January

S. THOMAS KUÔNG

Priest and Dominican Tertiary

(1779-1860) S. Thomas Kuông was born in 1779 in Nam-hoa, (Hung-yen) Tunkin (in present day Northern Viet nam). He belonged to the local gentry class was a priest and a member of the III Order of S. Dominic. Though he had been imprisoned many times for the sake of the faith, he was set free due to his noble birth.

On 29 December, 1859, already an octogenarian, while on a journey, he was arrested as a Christian for refusing to step upon across.

During his imprisonment, they tried to convince him to step on the cross so that he would induce his Christian faithful, especially the nobles to do the same and deny Christ. But he in turn, exhorted them to remain faithful to Christ who died for all. While he lay prostrate before the cross in order to adore it, he was beheaded. This took place in Tunkin (Northern Viet nam) in 1860.

He was beatified in 1951 and was canonized in 1988.

Liturgical note: Their liturgical “memoria” is celebrated collectively with the rest of the canonized martyrs of Viet nam on 24 November under the title of “S. Ignatius Delgado and Companion Martyrs of Viet nam”’. In the Province of the Holy Rosary, it enjoys the rank of “Festum”.

Collect

Almighty and merciful God who brought your martyr (our brother) the priest S. Thomas Kuong to overcome the torments of his passion. Grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of enemy.