1st -. ALL SAINTS. From earliest days the Church has recognised those lives of "ordinary" people who have shown Christ in their lives. Celebration of All Saints' Day began in the 4thC.
2nd - ALL SOULS . Commemorating the faithful departed after All Saints' day began in the abbey of Cluny at the end of the 1st millennium. This day reminds us that the Church consists of the militant on earth, the expectant in paradise and triumphant in heaven.
3rd - Richard Hooker, Priest, Apologist and Teacher, 1600. Most famous work Ecclesiastical Polity manifested that the Reformed Church in England was rooted firmly in Scripture and tradition of the Fathers.
- Martin de Porres, Friar, 1639. Dominican lay brother in Peru where he cared particularly for African slaves in their dreadful plight. Yet his care extended to all, and hence is seen as the patron saint of race relations.
- Winefride, Virgin, 6th or 7thC. It is said that where her head was cut off by an angry suitor a fountain sprang up, Holywell, and that St. Beuno raised her from the dead. Holywell became a popular pilgrimage site, and many churches were dedicated to her.
- Translation of St. Hubert - In 743 his relics were translated to Andain (now St. Hubert). Refer to May 30.
- St. Malachy, Bishop, 1148. Noted for his implementation of the Gregorian reforms in Ireland. Restored the deserted abbey of Bangor, Down. 1124 consecrated bp. of Connor. Met much opposition and thus founded the monastery called Ibracense, which became propogated the Order of Austin. Became archbishop pf Armagh, not without contention.
4th - St. Charles Borromeo, Archbishop & Reformer, 1584. Archbishop of Milan. Instrumental for the re-opening of the Council of Trent and for its final session. Lived very simply, gave considerable relief to the poor and founded seminaries for clerical education. Insisted on moral reform of clergy and founded a confraternity to teach children the Faith. Responsible for drafting the Catechism adopted at Trent.
- St. Joannicius, Abbot, 846. After a dissolute life, devote himself to a life of prayer and penance, and then to the monastic life on Mt. Olympus. Became a Basilian monk and defended veneration of holy images against the iconoclast Emperor Theophilus.
- St. Clarus, Hermit & Martyr, 8thC. From Rochester migrated to northern France as a missionary. Settled into a hermitage in Naqueville, where a woman tried to seduce him. By refusing her she had him assassinated.
5th - SS. Zachary & Elizabeth. Parents of John the Baptist. Eastern tradition has Zachary dying as a martyr in the Temple by the command of Herod. We think of Zachary daily as we recite his Benedictus at the morning office, and the Magnificat which we say daily in the evening office was spoken by Mary on her visit to Elizabeth.
- St. Bertilla, Religious, 692. At an early age entered the convent of Jouarre. Made prioress to assist the Abbess. Later became abbess ofChelles where they were numerous queens and princesses who had withdrawn from the world.
6th - St. Leonard, Hermit, 6thC. Lived at Noblac near Limoges where many miracles are attributed to him. Popular in England, especially due to returning crusaders who looked to him as patron of prisoners.
- William Temple, Bp, 1944. Was archbishop of Canterbury for 2 years. Especially remembered for ecumenical efforts & concern for social issues.
7th - St. Willibrord, Bp & Missionary to Frisia and N. Germany, 739. Patron saint to Holland. Organised the church similar to that in England. Built the Cathedral of Utrecht of which diocese he became archbishop.
8th - Saints & Martyrs of England. Day on which all those are commemorated for their faithfulness to Christ, either through martyrdom and or example of life.
- St. Godfrey, Bishop, 1113. Restored the depleted monastery of Nogent of Champagne both spiritually and physically. Consecrated bishop of AMiens, but still loved the monastic life, especially poverty.
- St. Willehad, Bishop, 789. From Northumbria journeyed to Frisia as a missionary and thence to Utrecht to consolidate the work of Willibrord. In 780 sent by Charlemagne to evangelise the Saxons who revolted against Charlemagne. MEanwhile W. went to Etternarch where the transcribed s copy of the epistles of Paul. Returning to northern Germany, brcame bp. of Bremen. Very devout bishop..
9th - St. Theodore, Martyr, 4thC. A famous soldier-martyr of the East, whose cult was based on his shrine at Echaita in Pontus.
- Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the mother and head of all Churches. Cathedral church in Rome
- Margery Kempe, Mystic, c.1440. Remarkable woman who underwent pilgrimages, rebuked archbishops, received many visions of the crucified Lord, unashamed to speak the truth of the Gospel, even though it lead to endless trouble with the Church. Her autobiography recounts this extraordinary life.
10th - Leo the Great, Bp & Dr, 461. Eloquent and wise preacher who used simple gospel texts to proclaim the Faith. Saved Rome twice from invading Barbarians. Skilled administrator.
11th - St. Martin of Tours, Bp. c.397. Soldier but found this conflicted with his Christian faith, and on the advice of Bp. Hilary founded a monastery in his diocese of Poitiers which became a centre for missionary work. In 372 elected Bp. of Tours by popular acclamation.
- St. Theodore the Studite, Abbot, 826.Exiled for opposition to the Emperor, Constantine VI's divorce of his wife and re marriage. After his fall returned to Constnainople and became abbot of Stoudion where he codified rule of St. Basil. Exiled again over iconoclasism and died in Chalcis.. .
- St. Menas, Martyr, c.300. A soldier in the Roman army, but when edicts were issued against Christians in the army he left. During the persecution under Diocletian was martyred for the faith. His shrine at Bumma near Alexandria was a popular pilgrimage site. Patron of merchants and caravans. His emblem is a pair of camels.
12th - St. Josaphat, Martyr & Bishop, 1623. In 1617 appointed Archbishop of Polotsk and began his reforms through his tireless pastoral work. Victim of a murder plot as he tried to strengthen ties with Rome.
- St. Cunibert, Bishop, 663. Found favour as a teenager from Clotaire II in Trier. After ordained, became bishop of Cologne. A devout man of prayer, founded "the Twelve Weepers" confraternity who were to watch beside a bishop's body until his funeral.
- St. Martin, Pope & Martyr, 655. Condemned the Monothelite heresy prevalent in the Eastern Church. As a result the Emperor, Constnans II ordered his assassination which was eventually executed.
- St. Gabriel of Ancona, Religious, 1456. Became a Franciscan Minor, and after ordination spent 15 years as a missionary preacher in Marche, Italy. Elected Superior of Ancona friary. Had a special devotion to the "Franciscan crown", a special rosary devoted to the joys of Our Lady.
13th - St. Stanislaus of Kostaka, Jesuit, 1568. Although a short life his determination to become a Jesuit shows his mettle. Walked from Vienna to Rome to achieve this. In his short life a religious experienced both ecstasy & visions.
- Charles Simeon, Priest, 1836. One of the founders of the C. M. S.
- St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, Religious, 1917. Founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart in 1880. In 1889 arrived in America from Italy where she worked until her death, establishing schools, hospitals and orphanages.
- - St. Agosina Pietrantoni, Religious, 1894.. A Sister of Charity worked in Rome's Santo Spirito Hospital, a secular hospital, where she was not permitted to mention the name God. Murdered by one of her patients.
- St. Abbo of Fleury, Abbot, 1004. A Benedictine monk at Fleury, who applied himself to his studies. Sent to England where he founded monastery at Ramsey. Two years later elected abbot of Fleury. A staunch supporter of Papal authority. Killed whilst trying to settle dispute at the abbey of La Reole in 1004.
14th - St. Laurence O'Toole, Abbot & Bishop, 1180. Monk at Glendalough and then its abbot. 1162 appointed archbishop of Dublin. With English invasion of 1170 acted as peacemaker between Henry II & Rory O'Connor, high-king of Ireland. Attended 3rd Council of Lateran. As Papal Legate implemented the new papal decrees such as celibacy of clergy.
- St. Nicholas of Sibenik & Companions, Religious & Martyrs, 1391. A Croat who became a Franciscan in Rivototto, Italy. Sent to Bosnia to re-evangelise after much heretical teachings. Successful in bringing many back to the Faith. In later life with other Franciscans went to Palestine to convert the Muslim judge. Were all killed.
15th - St. Albert the Great, Bp. & Dr., 1280. A teacher of Thomas Aquinas, but he too was a famous theologian & philosopher.
- SS. Gurias, Samonas & Abibus, Martyrs, 4thC. All suffered under the Diocletian persecution in Edessa, and martyred for their faith.
- St. Leopald of Austria, Prince, 1136. A pious ruler with his wife Agnes. Founded three monasteries, including tha tof Mariazell which became a popular Marian shrine.
- St. Fintan of Rheinau, Monk, 879. Captured by Vikings in Ireland and taken to Orkny Is. Found solace in wonder of creation. MAde a ppilgrimage to Rome after escaping. Spent the rest of his life in a monastery in Theinan, Swizterland.
16th - St. Margaret of Scotland, Queen & Philanthropist, 1093. Happily married to Malcolm 111 of Scotland. Founded many monasteries and pilgrimage hostels. Most of all a woman of prayer.
- St. Edmund of Abingdon, Monk & Bp., 1240. Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral before becoming Abp of Canterbury in 1233. Worked for harmony between Church & State.
- St. Gertrude of Helfa, Mystic, c.1302. After her conversion devoted her life to contemplation on the Liturgy. Her collection of prayers and writings on the mystical life were published in Spiritual Exercises.
- St. Raphael of Kalinowski, 1907. Religious, 1907. A Pole who worked initially as an engineer. Converted to Catholicism, andbecame a catechist. During the Polish uprising against the Russuans worked towards non violent means. Yet captured by Russians and sentenced to 10 years in Siberia. After release became a Carmelite. Became a well-known confessor and spiritual director.
17th - St. Hugh, Monk & Bp., 1200. When he became Bp. of Lincoln set out to reform and educate diocesan clergy, repair churches, revive schools, organise regular synodical meetings of clergy. Cared for the poor, the oppressed and outcasts.
18th - St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious, 1231. Member of the Franciscan 3rd Order. After husband's death lived an ascetic life and amongst the poor and sick.
- Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul, completed under Popes Sylvester & Siriciu in 4thC.
- St. Romanus of Antioch, Deacon & Martyr, 304. In Antioch when Diocletian's orders demanded the demolition of churches, Romanus reprimanded Christians who were apostatizing,. Arrested and tortured and mutilated before dying.
- Odo of Cluny, Abbot, 942. Upon reading the Benedictine Rule he was inspired to join the Order at Baume. Later became the 2nd abbot of the famous monastery at Cluny.. A reformer.
19th - St. Hilda, Abbess, c. 680. Presided over the synod of Whitby in 664 which elected to follow Roman rather than Celtic customs. A great educator, exemplified in her nurturing of Caedmon's gift of poetry.
- St, Maximus, Priest & Martyr, 255. Arrested under persecution of Decius. Tortured but released. Eventually martyred under Valerian.
- St. Faustus, Deacon & Martyr, 304. Suffered martyrdom under Diocletian as the elderly deacon of Alexandria.
- St. Metchilde of Helfta, Religious, 1298, Made her profession in the Benedictine convent at Rodarsdorf where her sister was abbess. Before this she had been a Beguine for a number of years. In 1258 convent transferred to Helfta where Metchilde was appointed mistress of the school. Amongst those pupils was Gertrude, who like Metchilde would be recipient of mystical gifts and revelations. Metchilde was blessed with a beautiful voice, the Offices were sung beautifully. Had a special doevtion to the Sacred Heart.
20th - St. Edmund, King & Martyr, 870. Although boy king of Norfolk cared for his poor & suppressed all wrong-doing. When Danes invaded refused to denounce either his crown or Christ. Tied to a tree, shot with arrows& finally beheaded.
- St. Pontian. Pope & Martyr, 236. During the persecution of Maximinus exiled to Sardinia where he was beaten to death with sticks, so the legend goes.
- St. Nerses 1, Bishop 7 Martyr, 373. Bihop of Armenia who condemned the king Arshal for murdering his wife. Banished, but recalled by his son after his father;s death. Proved to be worse, and had the bishop poisoned.
- St. Bernward, Bishop, 1022. Cared for ailing grandfather until his death. Bishop of Hildesheim. Was a talented artist and crafted in metal holy objects for his cathedral.Took the Benedictine habit before his death.
21st - The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple. This feast 1st held in 8thC. to symbolise the consecration of her life to the Lord.
- St. Albert of Louvain, Bishop & Martyr, 1192. Elected by his clergy as bishop of Liege, but opposed by Emperor Henry VI. Seeking peace he went into exile, but ambushed by enemies and killed.
- St. Columban, Abbot, 615. Controversial monk.as he tried to keep Irish customs in his monasteries in Europe. Had to defend these often including at the Synod of Chalon. Opposition mounted after his refused to bless the illegimitate sons of Theuderic II and he and his monks deported back to Ireland, but a severe storm prevented this. Settled at Bobbio. c. 613 and founded a new monastery which became famous for its library and manuscripts The Columban rule was later superseded by the Benedictine. One of the greatest of Ireland's apostles.
- St. Maur, Bishop & Martyr, 4thC. Seems he was martyred during the Diocletian persecution when he was bp. of Parenzo, Croatia. In 6thC. his body was transferred first into the city's cathedral and then to chapel near the bpatistry of the Lateran basilica by Pope John IV.
22nd - St. Cecilia, Martyr, c.230. One of the most revered saints of the early Church for her bravery in giving hospitality to Christians in her home in time of persecution. Patron saint of musicians her martyred life has been celebrated by many composers.
- St. Tigridia, Religious, 11thC. Of royal ancestory. Her father provided for a foundation of a new monastery and church in Ova, Spain, where Tigtidia became the first abbess.
- St. Pragmatius, Bishop, c.520. Bishop of Autun, France. {articipated in Synod of Vienne, 517 to combat Arianism. His territory ravaged by war between Frankis king, Clovis and kings of Burgundy.
-St. Sabinianus de Chaumillac, Abbot, c.770. With his friend St. Menele established a monastery in Menat, after previously being a hermit
- St. Pedro Esqueda Ramirez, Priest & Martyr, 1927. After his ordination took great pleasure in catechising children. Had a great love for the Sacrament. During the Mexican government's persecution of the Church forced to to be a refugee. Eventually captured and tortured for 4 days before being shot.
23rd - St. Clement, Presbyter, c. 100. One of most important links with the apostles. Bp. of Rome towards the end of 1st C. His letter to the church in Corinth reveals much about the early church, esp. the episcopal ministry.
- St. Amphilochius of Iconium, Bishop, c.400. A hermit and good friend of St. Gregory Naxianzen with whom he exhanged garden vegetables. After his appointment a bishop of Iconium preached zealously against heresies, including Macedonianism. It was he who persuaded St. Basil to write the treatise on the Holy Spirit.
24th - St. Chrysogonus, Martyr, 304. Killed under Diocletian's persecution at Aquileia. His body was recovered from the sea by other Christians.
- St. Minver, Virgin, 6thC. A Cornish saint who was a nun at Tredresick, near Padstow where there is still a church & well dedicated to her.
- Andrew Dung Lac & Companions, Martyrs, 19thC. During reign of Emperor Ming-Mang 1820-48 many Christians received the martyr's crown.
25th - St. Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4thC. Refused marriage with the emperor as she was 'a bride of Christ'. Martyred by being splayed on a wheel & finally beheaded
- James Huntington, Priest & Monk, 1935. Established the Order of the Holy Cross. Committed to social issues, such as working amongst immigrants.
26th - St. Leonard, Franciscan priest & preacher, 1751. Restored Florentine friary of St. Francis to Francis ideals of poverty and austerity. His famous preaching sent him to Corsica in the hope to restore peace and order. Also a writer. Best known work is his Resolutions.
-St. John Beerchmann, Religious, 1621. From boyhood desired to be a priest. At 17 entered Jesuit novititiate in Mechlin, Belgum., and after two years tranferred to Rome. Had a great devotion to the Sacrament and our Lady.
27th - St. Congar, Missionary, 6thC. Of Welsh origin who brought the gospel to Somerset & Devon. A Winchester Litany of 11thC. contains his name.
- St. Virgil, Bishop, 784. An Irish abbot. On way to Holy Land, received an invitation from Duke Odilo of Frankish Court to be abbot of St. Peter's monastery, Salzsburg. Soon appointed A'bp. of this city from where he sent out missionaries to evangelise..
- St. James Intercisus, Martyr, c.421. Apostatised to retain the favour of King Isdegerdes. On his death through his wife and mother brought to repent on this, and renounced courtly life. New king, Vararanes sentenced him to a prolonged and brutal death.
28th - St. James of the Marches, Franciscan priest, 1476. Lived a severe ascetic life, and worked to support the poor. Often a controversial figure but a forceful preacher. Participated in the Council of Florence, 1438 for reunion with the Orthodox.
- Kamehameha & Emma King & Queen of Hawaii,1864,1885. Christian rulers. Petitioned the Bp. of Oxford to send missionaries to establish the Anglican Church. Missionaries arrived, and preparation made for cathedral, school & translation of B.C.P. After her husband's death, Emma lived out good works.
- St. Joseph Pignateli, Religious, 1811. Originally a Jesuit priest but with the disbanding, settled in Bologna. Great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
- St. Stephen the Younger, Abbot & Martyr, 764. Became abbot of St. Auxentius near Chalcedon. Refused to support the iconclast emperor Constnatine Copronymus. Exiled and later scourged to death.
29th - St. Brendan of Birr, Abbot, 573. Disciple of Columba, intervened at synod of Meath to end Columba's excommunication. Founded the monastery of Birr. From here later on came the MacRegol Gospels, now in the Bodleian.
- St. Francis of Lucera, Religious, 1742. Franciscan Minor. Deept deovtion to the Immacualte conception. Gifted preacher, and wrote several books about preaching. Cared for prisoners.
- St. Cuthbert Maine, Priest & Martyr, 1577. Became a Catholic priest.in France. Returned to England in 1576. Arrested when an Agnus Dei image he was wearing gave him away. Executed for his faith.
- Vigil for prayer for missionary work.
30th November ANDREW, Apostle & Martyr. First missionary as he brought his brother Peter to our Lord. In Eastern Church honoured as the founder of the Patriarchal See of Constantinople. According to tradition he was martyred on an X-shaped cross. Patron saint of Scotland.
.Sundays Feast - Christ the King as the last Sunday of the Christian year,
