THE DOMINICAN YEAR month of May
1 May
S. AUGUSTINE SCHOEFFLER
Priest and Martyr
(1822-1851) S. Augustine Schoeffler was born at Mittelborn, Lorraine, (France)
in 1822. As a young boy he entered the minor seminary and studied near Nancy,
where he joined the III Order of St Dominic in whose spirit he made an effort
to confirm his spirituality and desire for holiness.
In
order to realize his great desire to go to the missions, in 1846 he joined the
Paris Foreign Mission Society where his finished his studies and received his
ordination on 29 May, 1847.
He
was immediately sent to Tunkin (present- day Viet nam). He learned the language and after three years
began to minister to the towns, villages of the district until the time of
religious persecutions.
In
1851, at the height of the second wave of bloody Christian persecutions under
emperor Tu-Duc, S. Augustine was
detained and was condemned for having introduced Christianity into the country
and having preached a prohibited religion.
He was beheaded on orders of Tu Duc at Son Tay (Viet nam), in 1851. He
was canonized in 1900 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
As
we commemorate the passion of your martyr, S.
Augustine (Schoeffler), O Lord may we worthily proclaim the death of your only
Begotten Son who, not content with encouraging the martyrs by word,
strengthened them likewise by example.
2 May
THE FEAST OF THE HOLY
CROSS
The
Church dedicates two dates to celebrate the Holy Cross: 3 May and the 14
September, interchanging between these two days the titles and motives of the
celebration. While in the present Church liturgy, the 14 September commemorates
the discovery of the true Cross by S. Helena in 320, it has taken the title of
«the Exaltation of the Holy Cross». Yet in popular piety and tradition, 3 May
remains close to the cult of the Holy Cross which incidentally reminds us of
some historical events.
On
May, 614, Cosroas, the king of Persia sacked the city of Jerusalem and took
away the relic of the true cross back to his country. But the emperor Heraclius won over the
Persians and was able to redeem the Cross and solemnly returned it to the
Patriarch of Jerusalem on 3 May, 630.
The recuperation of this priceless relic and symbol of our redemption filled
the whole Christendom with great fervor and enthusiasm particularly the Latin
Church and a feast in honor of the Holy Cross was instituted.
Liturgical note: In the spirit
of this veneration of the Cross, the proper liturgy of the Order, recommends a
special memoria of the passion is recommended with the celebration of the
votive mass and office on 4 May or any ferial day of the month.
Collect
0
God, who in the wonderful finding of the cross of salvation renewed the
miracles of Your passion, grant that through the ransom of the tree of life, we
may obtain help for eternal life.
Or
O
God, who willed that your only Begotten Son should undergo the cross to save
the human race; Grant we pray, that we, who have known his mystery on earth,
may merit the grace of his redemption in heaven.
(Collect of the Votive mass of the Cross)
2 May
B. EMILIA BICCHIERI
Virgin and Sister
(1238-1314) She
was born at Vercelli (Piedmont, Italy) in 1238 to a well to do family. While
she was still young, she founded a monastery of Dominican sisters outside the
city where she herself made profession and later was elected prioress many
times. Yet her revered position did not hinder her to joyfully serve her
sisters in community by rendering even the most humble of services in the
convent.
It
is said that is was the first Dominican community to have assumed educational
work among the young. She was particularly devoted to the Eucharist and to the
Passion of our Lord and our Lady. She always insisted in the need of right
intention in all things and in the spirit of gratitude to God. She died in
1314.
Collect
O
God, you led Blessed Emily (Bicchieri) to despite all earthly things and to seek you alone.
By following her example, may we learn self-denial and love you with grateful
hearts.
5 May
S. VINCENT FERRER
Friar and Priest
(1350-1419) Known
as the “Angel of the Apocalypse”, he was born at Valencia (Spain) in 1350. In
1367 entered the Order of Preachers and was ordained in 1379 and seen he was
elected a prior of his convent. He was confessor, chaplain and penitentiary of
Benedict XIII. He taught philosophy and theology but most of all he dedicated
himself to spreading the Gospel message, not only among Christians, but also
among the Jews, the moslems, the heretics travelling the towns and cities of
Spain and various countries of Europe.
As
a preacher he was able to convoke great masses to people to hear him preach and
it produced great fruit, not only in defending the true faith as in the reform
of their way of life. He sought to find a solution of the Western schism and
intervened as a mediator or peacemaker in grave conflicts between sovereigns or
nations, such as his intervention in the famous “Compromise of Caspe” with
reference to the succession of the crown of Aragon.
He
left various writings among the the «Treatise
of the Spiritual Life». He died at Vannes (France) on 5 April, 1419.
Liturgical note: In the Dominican Calendar the memoria is transferred to the 5 May the
anniversary of the first translation of his relics at Vannes.
Collect
Almighty and ever-living God, you taught us through
the preaching of (our brother) Saint Vincent Ferrer to run the path
to our heavenly home in expectation of the Savior. With the help of his prayers
may we be fervent in labor and in love and seek no lasting city here below, but
an eternal dwelling place to come.
7 May
B. ALBERT OF BÉRGAMO
Widower and Lay Dominican
(1214-1279) B. Albert of Bergamo was born at Villa d'Ogna
(Bérgamo, Italy) in 1214 to a modest family of laborers. From his youth he had helped
his family in all the tasks of the fields. He later got married, was pious and
very much given to the works of charity. His wife and his brothers reproached
him for his generosity and for this he had to leave for Cremona, where he had
to earn a living by working as a farmhand. He led a poor and austere life and
shared all he had to the poor. He also entered the III Order of S. Dominic,
made pilgrimages and ended his exemplary Christian life in 1279.
Collect
Almighty
and ever-living God, you led Blessed
Albert (of
Bergamo)
to shine forth in humility of life, in zeal for the truth and in apostolic
charity. May we follow in his footsteps and so attain the same rewards.
8 May
PATRONAGE OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY
Optional Memoria
Collect
Faithful
God, you willed that the Order of Preachers be instituted for the salvation of
souls under the special patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that it be
filled with her unceasing favors. Hear our prayers and bring us to the glory of
heaven, protected by her whose feast we celebrate today. Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
9 May
S. JOSEPH DO QUANG HIEN
Friar, Priest and Martyr
(1775-1840) S.
Joseph was born in 1775 in Quan-phuong (Nam Dinh) Tunkin (in present-day North
Viet-nam).He was a travel companion of the bishop S. Dominic Henares.
He
entered the Order of Preachers in Manila and made his first profession on 13
October, 1813. Ordained to the priesthood, he returned to his country and
exercised his ministry with normality until 1833 when with the religious
persecution has to work in secret.
He
was arrested in 1839. For refusing to step upon the cross, he was barbariously
beaten and was thrown into prison. They waited for some months hoping that his
spirit would break and finally renege his faith, but instead he took the
opportunity to evangelize the pagans and comfort the Christians in prison.
In
the end, he was beheaded at Nam Dinh (Viet nam) on 9 May, 1840 during the reign
of emperor Thieu-Tri. He was beatified in1900 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
O God, the source and origin of all fatherhood, You
kept the holy martyr, (our brother) Saint Joseph (Do
Quang Hien), faithful to the cross of Your
Son even to the shedding of his blood. Through his intercession, enable us to
spread your love among our brothers and sisters, that we may truly be called
your children
10 May
S. ANTONINUS PIEROZZI OF
FLORENCE
Friar and Bishop
(1389-1459)
S. Antoninus Pierozzi was born at
Florence in 1389. At 15 years old he was received to the Order by B. John Dominici, to become part of the
nucleus of the reforming community of Fiesole according to the project of B. Raymond of Capua. Ordained to the
priesthood in 1413.
He
was a man of penitent life and intense prayer at the same time he deepened his
studies and manifested in his valuable works which he had written. Despite his
diminutive stature, he served the friars in various priories in Italy, often as
local superior, and became a distinguished master of canon law.
In
1436 he founded the famous priory of San Marco in Florence and invited his
confrere, B. Angelico to decorate
the priory and built outstanding library.
In
1446, Pope Eugene IV appointed him as the Archbishop of Florence, a natural
choice for his wisdom and pastoral zeal. He reformed and visited his diocese
and the other dioceses under it; struggled with vices and injustices under the
splendor or wealth and art which Florence was famous for. He was noted for his
service to the poor and established a society under the patronage of Saint
Martin of Tours to assist him in this work. Thus he was known to be the “Father
of the poor and the disinherited, a counsellor of those who are suffering.
In
his writings, the best known is the «Summa
Theologiae Moralis», he tried to harmonize the law and moral theology, so
that it would be useful for preaching, the ministry of confession and spiritual
direction in order to offer a Christian solution in his time. He died at
Florence in 1459.
Collect
Eternal
God, you blessed (our brother) Saint
Antoninus (Pierozzi or of Florence) with a marvelous gift
of counsel. By the help of his prayers
while we walk in the darkness of this life, may we learn from a light of Christ
all that we ought to do.
or:
Eternal
God, you wonderfully blessed (our brother) Saint
Antoninus (Pierozzi or of Florence) with the gift of
wisdom. Pour out upon us, your servants, the same spirit of understanding,
truth and peace. May we know in our hearts what pleases you and pursue it with
all our strength.
12 May
B. JANE OF PORTUGAL
Princess of Portugal
Virgin and Nun
(1452-1490) Fondly
known as the “princesa santa” or the holy princess, B. Joanna was born at Lisboa in 1452, the eldest daughter of king
Alonso V of Portugal and his first wife, Queen Isabella of Coimbra. With the
illness of her brother and the death of her mother, by right, she became the
heir to the Portuguese throne. Refusing marriage proposals which were presented
to her, she resolved to consecrate herself to God in the religious life, which
was refused by his father.
Nevertheless
she began to live austerely in the midst of the court. She served as regent when her father and brother
went to war against the Moors and when they were victorious in 1471, her father
in the first flush of victory granted her request and allowed her to enter the
Benedictine monastery of Odivellas in 1472; she would later transfer to the
Dominican monastery of Aveiro.
Because
of her family’s objections she was unable to take her solemn vows until 1485
when the succession of the throne was finally settled.
At
Aveiro, in simplicity and humility, she led a hidden life totally dedicated to
prayer and penance, concerned for the conversion of sinners and the liberation
of the Christian captives in Africa dedicating her income to charity and in
redeeming captives.
She
died in 1490 and her cult was authorized in 1693.
Collect
O
God, in the midst of the royal court you strengthened Blessed Jane (of Portugal) with the purity of
heart. By her prayers may your faithful turn from the things of the earth and
seek after the things of heaven.
13 May
B. IMELDA LAMBERTINI
Virgin and Nun
(1320-1333) B. Imelda Lambertini was an example of
holiness and innocence for the children and adolescents, she was born at
Bologna in 1320 daughter of Count Ergano Lambertini. At age nine she was brought to the Dominican
monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena at Val di Pietra to be educated. Her status
there is uncertain, although she wore the habit of the nuns.
Since
the beginning she always manifested an extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist.
She had a great desire to receive Holy Communion, but the norms in her time did
not allow it due to her young age.
According to pious legend, on the feast of the
Ascension of 1333, so great was her desire to receive the Eucharistic Christ
that a sacred host appeared above her head. The chaplain was called, took the
host on a paten and gave it to her as communion and died of sheer joy and
elation.
Pope
S. Pius X named her patron of first
communicants.
Collect
Lord
Jesus Christ, your received into heaven Blessed
Imelda who loved you in the Eucharistic banquet. By her prayers may we
learn to approach your holy table with the same fervent love and so fulfill our
longing to be with you.
15 May
B. GIL VALLADARES OF
VOUZELA
Friar and Priest
(1184-1265) B. Gil Valladares was born at Vouzela
(Portugal) around 1187, he was the son of the governor of Coimbra. He studied
philosophy and medicine at Coimbra and later in Paris where he achieved the
reputation of being a brilliant physician. He had also studied chemistry and
alchemy; He also became interested and was obsessed with necromancy and the
black magic and it was said he even made a pact with the devil.
According
to tradition through the intervention of the Blessed Virgin, he was converted
from a dissolute life to a life of repentance and piety. He embraced religious
life entered the Order of Preachers in 1224 at Palencia (Spain).
Grateful for the grace of conversion he lived
a life of rigid penance to repair his former way of life. After his ordination,
he exercised with great zeal and fervor the ministry of preaching which
converted many to God. He was also entrusted with importance positions of
authority and ceaselessly promoted religious observance. He was also noted for
his humility and service for his brethren.
Ven. Humbert de Romans knew him personally and
often testified to his holiness. He spend the last years of his life at
Santarem (Portugal) where he died on Ascension day, 14 May, 1265.
Collect
Merciful
God, you drew Blessed Giles (of Vouzela) back to a life of justice and holiness. Draw us away
from our sin and lead us to the fullness of freedom and life.
Also on the same day 15 May
B. ANDREW ABELLON
Friar and Priest
(1375-1450) B. Andrew Abellon was born at Saint-Maximin
(Provença, France) in 1375. He was a man of learning, an artist, an exemplary
religious, honest, austere and above all, a holy man.
He
took the Dominican habit in his youth and studied at Montpellier, Paris and
Avignon. He was resolved to follow the example of S. Vincent Ferrer as a preacher and as apostle. After his
ordination he taught theology and at the same time ceaselessly preached
throughout the region of Provençe. He did much to restore the shrine of S. Mary Magdalene to its former
prominence as a place of pilgrimage both by the building he had erected there
and by the sermons he preached.
He
also firmly promoted regular discipline in the convents where he served as
superior; as an accomplished miniaturist, he exercised his talents as an artist
in many of the Dominican churches of southern France.
He
died in 1450 at Aix-en-Provençe, while assisting the victims of the plague. His
cult was confirmed in 1902.
Collect
God
of truth, you chose (our brother) Blessed
Andrew (Abellon) to preach the gospel of peace and to promote regular
life. By the help of his prayer, may we devote ourselves to proclaiming the
faith and bearing the yok e of Christ in fidelity.
19 May
S. FRANCIS COLL GUITART
Friar and Priest, Founder
(1812-1875) S. Francis Coll was born at Gombrén
(Gerona, Spain) in 1812. As a young boy he entered the Diocesan seminary of Vic
but five years later in 1827 he decided to embrace religious life and joined
the Order of Preachers. In 1835 the anticlerical government closed the house of
studies at Gerona and dispersed the friars.
From
that day until his death he maintained a heroic fidelity to his Dominican
vocation even without the support offered by Dominican community life. After
completing his studies at the Seminary in Vic, he was ordained in 1836 He began
to exercise his ministry in parishes, and dedicated himself to writing.
From
1844 he became a great popular missionary through the region of Catalunya, side
by side with his friend Saint Anthony Claret, tirelessly working in this ministry
for forty (40) years. For this reason, the Holy See bestowed on him the title
of “Apostolic missioner”.
In
1856 he founded the «Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata »,
dedicated to teaching in the rural areas and the promotion of women.
By
December of 1869 he suffered a stroke which left him completely blind, yet his
physical sufferings and mental deterioration as a result of his many illness
did not dampen his apostolic zeal and his intense piety.
He
died at Vich (Catalunya, Spain) on 2 April 1875, after a lingering illness and
suffering which he bore with childlike patience and heroic tenacity. He was
beatified in 1979 and was canonized in 2009.
Liturgical note: “Memoria”.
Collect
God of all truth, you chose (our brother) Saint
Francis Coll to make known the name of your Son and to instruct Christian
people in holiness. By the help of his prayers may the true faith be
continually sustained and grow through the ministry of preaching.
On the same day, 21 May
B. HYACINTH MARIE CORMIER
Friar, Priest and Master of the Order
(1832-1916) Known
in the world as “Louis-Stanislas-Henri Cormier”, he was born on 8 December
1832, in Orléans, (France) of well to do family of merchants. As a young seminarian he
entered the Dominican Third Order and after his ordination in 1856, he joined
the Order by entering the novitiate of Flavigny founded by Fr. H. Dominique Lacordaire and adopted the
religious name of Hyacinth Marie.
Despite
his weak health and frail constitution he finally made his solemn vows and 1859
and began to assume many important positions of responsibility: as a formator,
religious superior, administrator and spiritual guide. On May 21, 1904 he was
elected as Master of the Order, a post which he held until 1916.
Possessing
great culture, unwavering faith and a heart with charity goodness and a deep
interior life. With his motto of “Restoring
everything in Christ through Dominic”, He was a providential man
instrumental in the material and spiritual renewal of the whole Order to face
the challenges of the new century. He zealously promoted the study of theology
and of spirituality and founded the Collegio
Angelico of Rome, as a principal vehicle of dissemination of orthodox
Thomistic thought not only among the friars, but also among the secular clergy.
A
man of great spirit, zealous for the salvation of souls and in the restoration
of the religious fervor, a man of intense prayer, devoted to the Virgin and to
the Eucharist; He was also a prolific writer and an eminent preacher. His
charity was universal. It was said of him; “he
gives peace to everything he touches.” In the Order or outside it, he was a
man of God, son of Dominic, and an artisan of peace. He was also a faithful
interpreter of the mind and directives of the Church during the difficult time
of "Modernism".
At
the end of his term, B. Hyacinth Cormier
retired to the priory of San Clemente in Rome where he died on 17 December,
1916. His body is venerated in the Church of Ss. Domenico e Sisto, which is
annexed to the Angelicum. He was beatified by S. John Paul II on 20 November, 1994.
Liturgical note: His liturgical memoria is celebrated with the rank of “memoria obligatoria” for the Dominican
Family on 20 May, the anniversary of his election as Master of the Order and
successor of S. Dominic.
Collect
O God,
you willed to make (our brother) Blessed
Hyacinth-Marie Cormier illustrious with the spirit of counsel and piety and
with ardent zeal for sacred doctrine; grant that your family always and
everywhere may be guided wisely and fervently by his intercession and example.
21 May
B. COLUMBA DE RIETI
Virgin and Sister
(1467-1501) Christened
and known in the world as “Angela Guadagnoli”, she was born at Rieti (Lazio,
Italy) in 1467. Since she was a small child she had manifested her strong
inclination to a life of penance and prayer. She refused married prepared by
her family and years later she took the habit of the III Order of S. Dominic.
At
age nineteen (19), she entered the Sisters of the Dominican Third Order
Regular, imitating S. Catherine of Siena,
and took the name of Columba, prefiguring her virginal purity and her future
work as a peacemaker.
She went to visit Siena, the birthplace of
her model and patroness, but circumstances detained her at Perugia where she
eventually founded a monastery of Dominican sisters dedicated to the education
of the children of nobles.
She projected her work among the poor, the sick, the dying and those
condemned to death. Since 1488 she dedicated herself to the work of
pacification of the city, divided by factions.
She
died at Perugia on 20 May, 1501 and since 1582 her body is venerated in the
conventual Church of the nuns. Her cult
was confirmed in 1627.
Collect
God
of all mercy, your made (our sister) Blessed
Columba (of Rieti) shine forth by the
innocence of her life and by her zeal for peace. By the help of her teaching
mat we live togetrher in unity and serve you with pure minds.
24 May
THE TRANSLATION OF OUR
HOLY FATHER SAINT DOMINIC.
Today
the Order remembers the first translation of the body of our Father Saint
Dominic which was decided by his friend Pope Gregory IX and before the assembly
of the General Chapter of Bologna on 24 May, 1233 since his buried beneath the
feet of the brethren to a marble tomb within the same Church of Saint Nicholas
of the Vineyards. D\uring this
translation of the holy Master, “a sweet
and wonderful aroma emanated from his body showing luminously to all as the
Master Dominic was the good odor of Christ” (B. Jordan: Libellus).
The
solemn transfer spurred the canonization process and the eventual glorification
of Saint Dominic in 1234.
The
translation to the present marble ark took place on 5 June 1267 under Master B. John of Vercelli.
The
Liturgical office can be found in the Calendar of the Order as early as 1250.
Liturgical note: “Memoria”.
Collect
God of truth, you graciously enlightened your Church
by the merits and teaching of Saint Dominic, your confessor and our
father. By his prayers grant that the Church may never lack for temporal help,
and may grow ever richer in spiritual blessings.
or:
Lord, let the holiness and teaching of our Father
Dominic come to the aid of your Church. May he help us now with his prayers
as he once inspired people by his preaching.
27 May
B. ANDREW FRANCHI
Friar and Bishop
(1335-1401)
B. Andrew was a member of the noble
Franchi or the Boccagni family, was born in Pistoia, Italy in 1335 and at the
age of fourteen (14), he entered the Order the Convent of Santa Maria Novella
in Florence, and where completed his studies.
He
was one of the restorers of regular observance after the decadence brought
about by the Black Death.
He
served as prior in the Convents of Pistoia, Lucca and Orvieto. While at Pistoia
he organized a group of artisans who dedicate efficacious themselves charity
for the needed and gave them the name of “Society of the Magi”. And there
founded a pharmacy for the poor.
As
a bishop of Pistoia, he governed the Diocese as a father, and was distinguished
for his liberality with the poor, whom we served and welcomed into his palace.
He was an active promoter of peace among the people, and supported the
penitential movement of the Whites who favored peace and compassion. He was
distinguished for his piety, which centered around the devotion to the Infant
Jesus and His Mother, personal austerity and his preaching. Due to his cultural
preparation and dedication to the liberal arts, he promoted various cultural
works.
After
eighteen (18) years as bishop, he resigned from his office in 1400 due to ill
health and retired to the priory of Pistoia where he died on 26 May, 1401. His
body is venerated at the Convent of San Domenico of Pistoia. His cult was
confirmed by Benedict XV in 1921.
Collect
O
God you made (our brother) Blessed Andrew (Franchi) excel in
holiness and teaching and in preaching your word as a good pastor. By the help
of his prayers, may we persevere in your service and so come to eternal life.
On the same day, 28 May
B. MARIA BARTOLOMEA
BAGNESI
Virgin and Lay Dominican
(1514-1577) Maria Batolomea Bagnesi was born at Florence
(Italy) in 1514. Since her youth she totally consecrated herself to the Lord
and for this reason she refused any proposal of marriage. At age 18 she
contracted a very strange illness which immobilized her and kept her bed-ridden
for almost forty-five (45) years and caused her great pains.
With
patience and love of God she was able to transform her infirmity as a means for
her own sanctification. At age thirty-three (33) she joined the III Order of
Saint Dominic, now known as the Dominican Laity. The example of her Christian
virtues which she gave even in her sickbed mage great spiritual good to those
who visited her and those who met her.
The
famous Carmelite mystic S. Magdalene of
Pazzi praised and venerated her as a virgin of pure love. She died in Florence on 28 May, 1577 and his
body is venerated in the Church of the Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria degli
Angeli (Carregi). Her cult was confirmed in 1804.
Collect
O
God, in (our sister) Blessed Mary Bartolomea you borught
together steadfastness in suffering and innocence in life. As we endure many
trials, may we be helped by your grace.
29 May
B. WILLIAM ARNAUD
Friar and Priest,
AND COMPANIONS, Martyrs
(+1242) These martyrs, eleven in
all were Diocesan Inquisitors or members of the Inquisition working in the
Albigensian region. They were martyred at Avignonet, near Toulouse on 29 May,
1242 on the Vigil of the Ascension of the Lord.
They
were invited by the Governor of Avignonet who feigning friendship and desire
for reconciliation between the Catholics and heretics, gathered them in his
castle where they were detained, and they were beheaded while they were
chanting the hymn Te Deum laudamus.
Of
the eleven martyrs of the faith, three were Dominicans: B. William Arnaud, one of the first Dominicans to be appointed an
inquisitor in the diocese of Toulouse; B.
Bernard of Rochefort, a Dominican priest; and B. Garsya de Aure of Ourense, a Dominican lay brother.
They
were part of a band of preachers whose success at Avignonet, to the southwest
of Toulouse.
Collect
O
God, strength of the faithful you led (our
brothers)
Blessed Guillaume and companions to offer their lives in the name of Christ
and in obedience to the Church. By the help of their prayers may we share with them
in the chalice of Christ and ever grow in your love.
On the same day, 30 May
B. JAMES SALOMONI
Friar and Priest
(1231-1314) B. James Salomoni was born in Venice
(Italy) in 1231 to a noble family. After the death of his father, his mother
entered the Cistercian monastery to become a nun; he then sold all his
properties and at age seventeen (17) entered the Order of Preachers in Venice.
He studied Theology and was ordained to the priesthood.
He
progressed in intimate union with Christ by fasting, penances, works of mercy
and exact observance of the Constitutions of the Order. He was noted for his
devotion to the Eucharist and the B. Virgin Mary, and praying the rosary. He
served as prior in various priories of the Order. He was also a man of prayer and
God filled him with the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, and was distinguished
for his humility and service of the poor.
He
died in his hometown on 31 May, 1314. His body was transferred in 1930 to the
Dominican Basilica of Ss. John and Paul of Venice where it is actually
venerated. His cult was confirmed in 1621.
He
was known to be an intercessor for Cancer victims. His memoria is celebrated on
the 30 May.
Collect
God
of endless ages, in your providence, you gave your people Blessed James (Salomoni) to attain the mystery of
salvation. By his life and prayers, may we come to know your Son and so
experience his presence more fully in our lives.
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