THE DOMINICAN YEAR: Month of April

1 April

B. JOSEPH GIROTTI

Friar, Priest and Martyr

(1905-1945) He was born at Alba (Italy) in 1905. He entered the order of Preachers and was ordained in 1930. After completing post graduate studies in Jersualem and Rome, he dedicated himself to teach in Turin and published many studies on Sacred Scriptures.

At the same time, he frequented the Hospice of the poor elderly. In 19329 the regime suspended his teaching work for his anti- Fascist attitude. From 1943 he dedicated himself to help and save persecuted Jews from death.

The Nazi police detained him on 29 August, 1944 and sent him to the concentration camp of Dachau (Germany), where he died on 1 April, 1945 via lethal injection.

In 1995 the Israeli authorities declared him as one of the “just among the nations”. He was beatified in 2014.

Collect

O God who were pleased to give light to your Church by adorning the priest (our brother) Blessed Joseph (Girotti) with the victory of martyrdom. Grant that, as he imitated the Lord’s passion, so we may , by following his footsteps, be worthy to attain eternal joys.

10 April

B. ANTHONY NEYROT

Friar, Priest and Martyr

(1423-1460) B. Anthony was born around 1423 in Rivoli nearTurin (Piedmont, Italy). In his youth he joined the Order of Preachers entering the reformed convent of Saint Mark of Florence. After his ordination, he was assigned to Sicily. 

In 1458, when he was returning to Naples by the sea, he was captured by some Moslem pirates and brought to Tunisia as a slave. Under heavy pressure, he abjured the Christian faith, embraced Islam and even got married.

With the help of God and through the intercession of his spiritual father, S. Antoninus whom he had recommended himself, he repented for his sins, wore the Dominican habit once more and presented himself to the governor telling him of is return to the Christian faith, as the only truth. 

For this he was stoned to death; this took place on Holy Thursday of 1460 when he was stoned to death. His body is venerated in Rivoli in the Church of Santa Maria della Stella from 1469. His cult was confirmed in 1767.

Collect

Loving God, you called (our brother) Blessed Anthony (Neyrot) back to the light of your truth and made him an illustrious martyr. May we learn from his trials and by our self –denial come to love you above all things with all our hearts.

Also on the same day, 13 April

B. MARGARET OF CITTA DI CASTELLO

Virgin and Lay Dominican

(1287-1320) also known as “Margaret of Metola”, she was born at Métola near Città di Castello, (Umbria, Italy). Blind and deformed since birth. Her parents brought her to a tomb of a Franciscan saint hoping for a cure. Not obtaining the miracle they abandoned her in the Church. She was taken by some Sisters of the III Order of S. Dominic where she lived and grew up among these pious women, she later entered the same Order and devoted herself to prayer and good works.

Though disowned by her own family, she was able to rise from her tragedy in her true humility and fervor; she visited the sick and the poor, took care of children and whatever service she could do despite her disability. She had a tender devotion to the Holy Family of Nazareth and always thought and spoke of the mystery of the Lord’s birth.

She died at Cittá di Castello on 13 April, 1320 and from 1424 her body is venerated in the Church of Saint Dominic.  Her cult is confirmed in 1675. She is the special patroness of those who are physically or mentally handicapped.

Collect

Compassionate God, you gave your divine light to (our sister) Blessed Margaret (of Castello or of Metola) who was blind from birth, that with the eye of her heart she might contemplate you alone. Be the light of our eyes that we may turn from what is evil and reach the home of never-ending light.

14 April

B. PETER GONZALEZ

Friar and Priest

(1195-1246) B. Peter González was born at Frómista (Palencia, Spain) around 1185. He was educated by his uncle who was a Canon and studied at the University of Palencia. Appointed as the Dean of the Cathedral, he was given to a life of luxury and ostentation. But a ridiculous fall from a horse provoked the laughter of those who saw it and made him understand the vanity of his conduct. The «Vitae fratrum» records his conversion: «when he was sneered by the world, he decided to sneer back on the world»,  (Liber V, 9:2)

He then renounced everything and joined the Order of Preachers and dedicated himself to imitate the life and virtues of the holy founder. Soon he became as renowned for his humility as he had previously been renowned for his greed for glory.

He was notable for his life of prayer and for his service to his neighbor.  With fiery zeal de began to preach, his words inflamed and the holiness of his life edified his listeners. Many sinners were converted and under his direction, many progressed in the path of Christian life. He later became the confessor and court chaplain of the king S. Fernando III.

He exercised a great and popular ministry in Galicia, assisted the poor and the weak especially the people who are in peril at sea. That is why seafarers and fishermen invoke him as their heavenly patron under the name of San Telmo or S. Elmo.

He died in Tuy (Galicia, Spain) on the 14 April, 1246 and his body is venerated in the cathedral.  His cult was confirmed on 13 December, 1741.

Collect

Almighty God, you bestowed the singular assistance of (our brother) Blessed Peter (González) upon those in peril from the sea. By the help of his prayers, may the light of your grace shine forth in all the storms of this life and enable us to find the harbor of everlasting salvation.

17 April

B. MARIA MANCINI

Widow and Nun

(1355-1431) Catherine Mancini was born in Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) in the middle of the XIV century.  Married to Braccio Mancini, was widowed; she remarried with Guiglielmo Spezzalaste. But when her second husband and all her six children died.

Following the counsel of S. Catherine of Siena during those difficult situation, she embraced Dominican life: first as a Dominican tertiary Nun at the Monastery of the Holy Cross where she took the name of “Maria”. 

Later she transferred to the Monastery of Saint Dominic founded by B. Chiara Gambacorta to become a cloistered Nun, where she served as the Prioress for ten (10) years. She was remembered as a devout nun with a great devotion and the spiritual daughter of S. Catherine of Siena.

She died in Pisa on 22 January, 1431 and there in her monastery her body is venerated.  Her cult was confirmed in 1855. and later professing as nun at the Monastery of Saint Dominic She died at Pisa (Italy) on 22 January, 1431.

Collect

O God, bestower of grace and consoler of the sorrowful, your strengthened (our sister) Blessed Maria (Mancini) in the adversities of life with an admirable patience and unwaveringly constancy. By the help of her prayers may we follow your will with a sincere heart and so be faithful.

17 April

B. CHIARA GAMBACORTA

Widow and Nun

(1362-1419) Known in the world as Teodora or Victoria Gambacorta was born to a noble family in Pisa or Florence (Tuscany, Italy). At age 12 she married a young man from the prominent family of the Massa, but was assassinated three years altar.  Left as a widow at age fifteen, she entered the monastery of the Poor Clares where she took the name of “Chiara”, but her family forcibly brought her out.

Later after overcoming the opposition of her family members and inspired by the counsel of S. Catherine of Siena, to whom she was greatly devote and esteem as her spiritual mother, she decided to embrace Dominican life in the Monastery of the Holy Cross of the Regular III Order. 

Years later, with the help of her father, she founded the Monastery of Saint Dominic of the II Order in conformity to the Italian reform spirit.  She served as prioress and promoted cultural and spiritual formation of her nuns. She thus converted her community into a spiritual center of renewal. She was also blessed with the gift of counsel, of intense prayer and the gift of tears.

With the wealth of her family she founded a reception center for the poor. She also forgave the relatives of the assassin of her husband.

She died in Pisa in the Monastery of Saint Dominic on the 17 April, 1419 and her body is venerated there.  Her cult was confirmed in 1830.

Collect

Merciful God, grant us a spirit of prayer and penance. By following in the footsteps of (our sister) Blessed Chiara (Gambacorta), may we be worthy to win the crown she has received in heaven.

19 April

B. ISNARD OF CHIAMPO

Friar and Priest

(+1244) Known in the world as “Vincenzo”, he was born in Chiampo (Venice, Italy) by the end of the XIII century. He entered the Order in Bologna and took the name of Isnard. He was ordained to the priesthood at  Milan.

He was a friar of great fervor and was an extraordinary preacher through which God performed many miracles as they were referred to the Vitae Fratrum (Liber IV, 23, 9).

He died in Pavia (Lombardy, Italy) in the convent of Santa Maria di Nazareth founded by him, on 19 March, 1244. His body is venerated since 1799 in the Church of Saints Gervase and Protase. His cult was confirmed in 1919.

Collect

God of truth, you drive away the darkness of ignorance by the light of your wisdom. By the life and prayers of (our brother) Blessed Isnard (of Chiampo) increase the strength of our faith, and let no trial extinguish in us the fire of your grace which shone forth in him.

Also on the same day, 19 April

B. SYBILINA BISCOSSI

Virgin and Lay Dominican

(1287-1367) B. Sybilina Biscossi was born at Pavia (Lombardy, Italy) in 1287. She was left an orphan at a very young age, and earned her keep as a maidservant, but lost her sight at age twelve. She was charitably received and cared for by some Dominican tertiaries. She fervently prayed to S. Dominic hoping that a miracle would happen to her, until she assumed the fact that her blindness would be a gift for her and for others.

Accepting her deficiency, she began to live as a recluse in a small room near the Church of the friars. There she remained for sixty- five (65) years living in penance, edifying, counselling and consoling those who came to seek her. She was the purest of virgins, enabling the light of the Holy Spirit to illumine her soul and shone in her virtues, counsels and miracles. 

She died at age eighty (80) at Pavia on 19 March, 1367 and her body is venerated in the Cathedral. Her cult was confirmed in 1854. Her liturgical memoria is celebrated on the 19 April.

Collect

O Lord, enkindle our hearts with the fire of the Spirit who wonderfully renewed (our sister) Blessed Sybillina (Biscossi). Filled with that heavenly light may we come to know Jesus Christ crucified and always grow in your love.

20 April

S. AGNES SEGNI OF MONTEPULCIANO

Virgin and Nun

(1268-1317) Agnes Segni was born in Gracciano Vecchio, near Montepulciano (Tuscany, Italy). Her spiritual and religious itinerary is surprising and extraordinary. At age nine (9) she entered the monastery of Penitent nuns known as «of the sack», for their coarse habit. Five years later she accompanied the Mistress of Novices to Proceno, beside Viterbo to found a monastery where in the following year, despite her young age (15 years old) she was elected as the Superior.

Her human qualities, holiness, piety, tenderness and spiritual infancy without the absence of great suffering and misunderstanding, called the attention of all.

In 1306 she returned to Montepulciano as the superior of a new monastery constructed there known as «Santa Maria Novella. After spending a few years, the community adopted the Constitutions of the Dominican nuns and placed themselves under the direction of Friars Preachers, seeking evangelical perfection for herself and for her nuns, according to the way of Saint Dominic. She was devoted to the mystery of the infancy of Christ and the Virgin Mary, manifested the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and was a model of prayer and charity. Within the monastery, she always showed an example of true humility and of extraordinary capacity for spiritual direction as it was affirmed by S. Catherine of Siena. Similarly she also worked for civil peace and unity. During the last years of her life, S. Agnes bore the pains of a lingering illness with heroic patience.

She died on 20 April, 1317 and her body is venerated in the Church in her honor. Her «Life» was written by B. Raymond of Capua; she was venerated by S. Catherine of Siena, who fondly called her “glorious mother,” recognizing her as her predecessor and sister. She was canonized on 10 December, 1726.

Liturgical note: “Memoria” for the Dominican Family; “Festum” for the Nuns.

Collect

Merciful God, you adorned (our sister) (Saint) Agnes (of Montepulciano), your bride, with a marvelous fervor in prayer. By imitating her example, may we always hold fast to you in spirit and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness.

24 April

THE CONVERSION OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

Today, we join the Augustinian family to commemorate the conversion of our Father Saint Augustine, whom the Dominican family owe profoundly and partake in his spiritual legacy.

The spiritual odyssey of Aurelius Augustine of Tagaste is a classic example of man’s thirst for truth and ends up in the possession of God himself.  Augustine's life as a young man was characterized by loose living and a search for answers to life's basic questions. He would follow various philosophers, only to become disillusioned with their teachings. For nine years he was associated with the Manichean sect. But he gradually became aware that Manicheism was unable to provide satisfactory answers to his probing queries.

When he was teaching rhetoric in Milan. He went to hear the preaching of the great bishop  S. Ambrose. At first he went only to hear Ambrose's eloquent style of speaking. But the Bishop's preaching led Augustine to a new understanding of the Bible and the Christian Faith.

Some time in the year 386, Augustine and his friend S. Alypius were spending time in Milan. While outdoors, Augustine heard the voice of a child singing a song, the words of which were, "Tolle lege, tolle lege.” He thought at first that the song was related to some kind of children's game, but could not remember ever having heard such a song before.

Then, realizing that this song might be a command from God to open and read the Scriptures, he located a Bible, picked it up, opened it and read the first passage he saw. It was from the Letter of Paul to the Romans. Augustine read: “Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual excess and lust, not in quarreling and jealousy. Rather, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh”--Romans 13: 13-14

Reading this scripture passage, Augustine felt as if his heart were flooded with light. He turned totally from his life of sin. He was baptized by S. Ambrose during the Easter Vigil of that year 24 April, 387. His friend S. Alypius and his son Adeodatus were also baptized at the same time.

Later, reflecting on this experience, Augustine wrote his famous prayer: «You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.»He went on to become a powerful influence on the spirituality and theology of the Christian Church.

Liturgical note: “Memoria ad libitum”.

Collect

Father, in your providence you led Saint Augustine from the darkness of error into the light of the Gospel truth. May we, who honor his conversion today, and with the help his prayers, be enabled to change our lives for the better.

27 April

B. HOSANNA OF KOTOR

Virgin and lay Dominican

(1493-1565)  She was born in Kotor (Montenegro) in 1493 to Orthodox parents. When she was a young girl, she worked as a shepherdess for the flock owned by her family.

She later worked as a domestic servant to a Catholic family and there she was converted to Catholicism. She began to dedicate her life to the Lord and entered the III Order of S. Dominic, taking the name of “Hosanna”. For forty years she lived in harsh penances, living as a recluse inside a cell, fully dedicated to contemplation especially on the passion of the Lord. Many people came to visit and seek counsel, or intercede in their behalf through her prayers.

She is remembered for having interceded in behalf of the Christian faithful during the Turkish invasions.

She died on 27 April, 1565 and her body is presently venerated the Cathedral of Kotor. Her cult was confirmed, presenting her as an intercessor for the unity of Christians in 1927.

Collect

God of compassion, enkindle anew in our hearts the love of your cross. By the life and prayers of (our sister) Blessed Osanna (of Kotor) who suffered for the unity of the Church, may we become share in both your passion and your glory.

28 April

S. LOUIS MARIE GRIGNON DE MONTFORT

Priest, Dominican Secular Priest and Founder

(1673-1716) S. Louis Marie Grignon was born in Montfort (Bretagne, France) in 1673. He studied at Rennes and Paris and was ordained in 1700. He began to travel throughout the Western region of France as an apostolic missionary, preaching popular mission to rekindle of the Christian faith among the rural communities.

He made his profession as a Third Order member on 10 November, 1710 in the convent of Nantes and was great propagator of the rosary. He proclaimed the mystery of the Eternal Wisdom, and taught the path of holiness through authentic devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He founded three religious Congregations: the society of Mary, popularly known as the Montfort Fathers; the Brothers of Christian Instruction of S. Gabriel and the Daughters of Wisdom or the Monfort Sisters. He wrote and preached the wisdom of the Cross of Christ and the true devotion and consecration of enslavement.

He died at Saint Laurent-sur-Sévre, Diocese of Luçon, (France) on 28 April, 1716.

Liturgical note: “Memoria ad libitum”.

Collect

God of Eternal wisdom, you made Saint Louis Marie (Grignon or de Montfort), your priest an outstanding teacher and witness of full devotion to Christ your son through his blessed mother.  Grant that we following the same spiritual path, we may be able to further your reign in this world.

Or (NRM)

O God, who willed to direct the steps of the priest Saint Louis Marie (Grignon or de Montfort) along the way of salvation and of the love of Christ in the company of the Blessed Virgin. Grant us, by his example, that, meditating on the mysteries of your love, we may strive tirelessly for the building up of your Church.

Or (NRM  no.2)

Almighty and eternal God, who made the priest Saint Louis Marie (Grignon or de Montfort) an outstanding witness and teacher of total devotion to Christ your Son through the hands of his Blessed Mother; Grant us that, following the same spiritual path, we may constantly spread his kingdom.

29 April

S. CATHERINE OF SIENA

Virgin, Lay Dominican and Doctor of the Church

(1347-1380) Catherine Benincasa was born in Siena (Tuscany, Italy) While still an adolescent she made the vow of chastity and refused marriage as proposed by her parents.

In 1363 she took the habit of the III Order of S. Dominic, and from then onward, she immersed herself to be identified with Christ Crucified. Inspired by the apostolic spirit of S. Dominic and his Order, she was able She was able to conjugate her intense life of prayer with her incessant activity at the service of the Church, thus manifesting the Dominican charism in the most noble feminine way.

Moved by her great love for God and for neighbor, she promoted peace and concord among city-states and courageously defended the rights and freedom of the Roman Pontiff. She played a pivotal role in the return of the Pope from Avignon to Rome but despite all her efforts was not able to stop the tragedy of the Western Schism.

She was a virgin «very strong and very devout» she also favored the renewal of religious life and in particular was the moving spirit behind the reform and renewal of the her beloved Order of Preachers through the work of her spiritual director and later Master of the Order, B. Raymond of Capua and her disciples and admirers.

As a woman with a profound mystical life, she assiduously drank from the side of Christ crucified, the zeal by the honor of God and for the salvation of souls.  Her writings Dialogue on the Divine Providence, Prayers and numerous Letters are authentic testament of her illustrious knowledge, infused by God and of the firmness of her character.  She died in Rome on 29 April, 1380 and her body is venerated in the Dominican Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva and her head in the Basilica of San Domenico of Siena.  She was canonized on 29 June, 1461. Since then she has been presented as the epitome of Dominican women, whether they be the contemplative nuns or the apostolic sisters and the model for all lay Dominicans.

Since 1939 she is the principal co-patroness of Italy. In 1970 she was proclaimed woman doctor of the Church by B. Paul VI; and in 1999 as one of the Co-patronesses of Europe by S. John Paul II.

Liturgical note: “Festum” for the whole Dominican family; “Solemnitas for the Apostolic sisters and for the Dominican laity.

Collect

God of wisdom, you made Saint Catherine burn with divine love in contemplating the Lord’s passion and in serving your Church. With the help of her prayers may your people, united in the mystery of Christ, rejoice forever in the revelation of his glory.

or:

O God, through Saint Catherine you teach us the wonderful truth about our own human nature ¾ which we live in you and you live in us.  With the help of her prayers may this knowledge help us to advance in virtue and to serve you all our days.

30 April

S. PIUS V

(MICHELE GHISLIERI)

Pope

(1504-1572) Michele Ghislieri was born in Bosco Marengo (Piedmont, Italy) and entered in the Order at age fifteen in the Convent of Voghera. He made his doctorate, and received his ordination at Bologna in 1528. For 16 years, he was professor of Theology and exercised diverse positions of authority in the Dominican province of Lombardy.

He also served as Inquisitor and was later consecrated bishop and elevated as a Cardinal of the Roman Church. He was finally elected as Pope on 7 January, 1566 and took the name of “Pius”.

Despite his prominence in the Order and in the Church, he was always austere and led a very intense life of prayer. He tried to flee from all forms of nepotism. With singlemindedness he began the reform laid down by the recently concluded Council of Trent whose decrees and decision he tried to apply.

He reformed the prevalent customs, abolished abuses, intensified Christian catechism, and organized seminaries promoted reform of Religious Orders and support new forms of Consecrated life. He favored Ecclesiastical studies, promoted the promotion of the faith and the foreign missions. He renewed liturgy, ordered the publication of the Roman Catechism and the Missal which carries his name that were in use until the renovations of the Vatican II.

He confirmed his brothers in the faith, and with the help of the Virgin Mary through the mediation of the rosary devotion, freed them from the invasion of their enemies.  He was famous for his many virtues and apostolic enthusiasm. 

He died in Rome on 1 May, 1572 and his body is venerated since 1588 in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the Basilica of Santa Maria Mayor. He was canonized in 1712.

Liturgical note: “Memoria”.

Collect

Faithful God, you called (our brother) Pope Saint Pius to defend the faith and to renew the worship of your Church. With the help of his prayers guide us toward that worship in truth which is faithful to your Word.

Also on the same day, 30 April

S. JOSEPH TUAN

Friar, Priest and Martyr

(+1861) S. Joseph was born at Tran – xa, (Hung-yen) in Tunkin or present-day Northern Viet-nam, and which formed part of the Christian community under the care of the Dominicans. He later joined the Order himself and was ordained a priest.

With all the limitations of forced clandestinity due to persecution, he had been exercising the ministry in the most fruitful manner until after having administering the sacraments to a sick woman, her son betrayed him.

He was arrested and imprisoned, he openly confessed his faith and firmly refused to apostatize. He was condemned to death by beheading in the city of Ninh-Bình (Viet-nam) in 1861, during the reign of emperor Tu Duc.

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) S. Joseph Tuan 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 the enemy.