…To thee my body I confide As well in life as at life’s end. Come, aid me when I breathe my last, That I may, ere here all is past, Receive the Blessed Sacrament! Cranach, Martyrdom of St. Barbara excerpt, Ballad of St. Barbara by GK Chesterton: Barbara the beautifulHad praise of tongue and pen:Her hair was like a summer nightDark and desired of men. Read more

St. Barbara flees her father St. Barbara (from Nicomedia) was the daughter of a pagan noble who worshipped false gods. Because of her striking beauty, her father enclosed her in a tower to hide her from the snares of men. Barbara vowed virginity, and during an absence of her father had a third window added to her quarters in honor of the Blessed Trinity; at the same time, she also adorned her bath with the sign of the holy Cross.... Read more

… today is the Memorial of St. John Damascene. St. John was such a great orator that he was known as Chrysorrhoas (“golden-stream”). He was the last of the Greek Fathers of the Church, and the first of the Christian Aristotleans. He also adapted choral music for use in the liturgy. His eloquent defense of Christian images has given him the title of “Doctor of Christian Art.” For some light reading, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith Tone 8... Read more

… but I bet you laugh. Read more

Jose de Alzbarca, c.18th centurcy Patron: African missions; diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana; Apostleship of Prayer; Australia; black missions; Borneo; China; East Indies; foreign missions; Goa, India; diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin; India; archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indiana; Japan; diocese of Joiliet, Illinois; missionaries; Missioners of the Precious Blood; Navarre, Spain; navigators; New Zealand; parish missions; plague epidemics; Propagation of the Faith. Symbols: bell; crucifix; vessel; Pilgrim’s staff; rosary; lily; font; ship and crucifix; globe. Often portrayed as: young bearded Jesuit with... Read more

Collect: God our Father, by the preaching of Francis Xavier you brought many nations to yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in you, that your Church may rejoice in continued growth throughout the world. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Nicolas Poussin Read more

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… turn Br. Matthew, c. 1956 Read more

… circa 1949. Read more

… courtesy Rome of the West. Read more