Monday, November 4: St. Charles Borromeo, Cardinal (1538-1584)
Charles was born in Italy and a son of Count Gilbert Borromeo and Margaret Medici, sister of Pope. he was made Bishop of Milan. He was intent to improve the morals and manners of the clergy and laity, established seminaries for the education of the clergy, founded a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for the religious instruction of children. He founded a society of secular priests, Oblates of St. Ambrose (now Oblates of St. Charles). Although he achieved a position of great power, he used it with humility.
“Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.“
Patron: agains ulcers, appole orchards catechists, catechumens, colic; intestinal disorders;
Tuesday, November 5: Zachariah and Elizabeth Early Christian (time of Christ)
Elizabeth is a cousin to the Virgin Mary. Zachariah, desiring a child, went to pray in the temple and was told by the angel Gabriel, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John… he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” (Luke 1:13-15).
Zachariah was skeptical because both himself and his wife were elderly. For his skepticism, Zachariah was rendered mute until the prophecy had been fulfilled.
Elizabeth became pregnant shortly thereafter and she rejoiced.
Gabriel then visited the Virgin Mary at Nazareth, telling her that she would conceive of the Holy Spirit and become the mother of Jesus. Elizabeth was visited by Mary, at which time Mary spoke the hymn of praise now known at the Magnificat, and after John’s birth, Zachary’s speech was restored
Wednesday, November 6: St. Joseph Khang (d-1861)
Martyr of Vietnam. The servant of St. Jerome Hermosilla, Joseph tried to deliver St. Jerome from prison. He was caught in the attempt, lashed, and beheaded.
Thursday, November 7: St. Didacus, Religious Brother(1400-1463)
He lived for some time as a hermit. After Didacus became a Franciscan brother, he developed a reputation for great insight into God’s ways. He volunteered for the missions in the Canary Islands. In 1450 he was sent to Rome to attend the canonization of St. Bernardine of Siena. Didacus stayed in Rome for three months to nurse the friars, who had become ill. After he returned to Spain, he pursued a life of contemplation full-time.
“O faithful wood, O precious nails! You have borne an exceedingly sweet burden, for you have been judged worthy to bear the Lord and King of heaven”
Patron
Friday, November 8: Four Crowned Martyrs Death: 305
Two separate groups who suffered for the faith, called Sancti Quatuor Coronati, “the Four Holy Crowned Ones. Castorius, Claudius, Nicostratus, and Symphorian were tortured and slain in Pannonia, having been carvers from Sirmium. They refused to carve a pagan statue and were martyred by Emperor Diocletian. A martyr named Simplicius died with them. The second group of Four Holy Crowned Ones died at Albano, Italy. They were Carpophorus, Secundius, Severian, and Victorinus. A basilica was erected in honor of these martyrs in Rome.
Saturday, November 9: Dedication of St. John Lateran
St. John Lateran is the pope’s church, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.
The first structure and its successors suffered fire, earthquake and the ravages of war, but the Lateran remained the church where popes were consecrated until 14th century.
Pope Innocent X commissioned the present structure in 1646. One of Rome’s most imposing churches, the Lateran’s towering facade is crowned with 15 colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and 12 doctors of the Church. Beneath its high altar rest the remains of the small wooden table on which tradition holds St. Peter himself celebrated Mass.
Sunday, November 10: St. Leo the Great, Pope (d. 461)
St Leo was elected Pope in 440, he worked guiding his fellow bishops as “equals in the episcopacy and infirmities.”
Leo is known as one of the best administrative popes of the ancient Church. He worked to control heresies, and to secure true Christian beliefs. He led the defense of Rome against barbarian attack, taking the role of peacemaker.
He is known for his spiritually profound sermons.
“Christian, remember your dignity, and now that you share in God’s own nature, do not return by sin to your former base condition. Bear in mind who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Do not forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of God’s kingdom”
Veronicas Veil 