February Saints

February 3. St. Blaise

St. Blaise is among the first martyrs of the Church imprisoned during the persecution of Emperor Licinius. While in prison, a mother asked St. Blaise to help her son who was choking on a fish bone. Since then, his help is invoked in cases of sore throat. It has become customary to place two candles, crossed over each other, on the throat asking St. Blaise for his protection. In modern times, St. Blaise’s help is also invoked so that we may use our words wisely and use our voices to do good.

Your turn
How do you use the power of your word? What kinds of words frequently come out of your mouth?

February 4. St. John of Brito

This Portuguese saint became a Jesuit at a very young age. He was sent to missions in Goa, a Portuguese colony located in the south of India. He adapted local customs, dressing in typical native attire and did not eat meat. He translated the Gospel into terms that could be understood by the native audience and endured horrendous persecution and torture. John of Brito was called back to England but insisted in returning to India where he was eventually arrested and decapitated in 1693.

Your turn
In what ways are you committed to evangelizing your culture and society?

February 6. St. Paul Miki and martyred companions

Paul Miki is one of 26 martyrs who died in Japan for their faith. Among them were six Spanish Franciscans, three Jesuits and 17 Japanese lay persons. Paul is recognized for his heroic behavior and for suffering crucifixion. They are the first martyrs of Asia. These martyrs of Japan responded to the call and joined their companions in solidarity. They remained faithful witnesses of Christ until the end.

Your turn
How far are you willing to go for your faith?

February 11. St Bernadette Soubirous

St. Bernadette, a poor young girl, sick and without a formal education, was chosen to bring the Virgin’s message of healing and compassion. As a result of the 18 apparitions of the Virgin in Lourdes, France, it has become one of the most important sites of Catholic pilgrimage.

Your turn
In what ways could you care for the spiritual and physical health of those around you?

February 14. St. Cyril and St. Methodius

The two Greek brothers evangelized Hungary, which today are the Republics of Czech and Slovakia, Russia and Bulgaria. The two are patron saints of Europe and were seen as a glory to the Church for their method of adapting the message to the culture of the people. They translated liturgical texts into the Slavonic language and invented the Cyrillic alphabet, which is still used by the Slavic people. Both saints faced enormous difficulties to carry out their mission but they worked until the end evangelizing their people. Just as Jesus entrusted his disciples to go and proclaim his Gospel, today we must also go and proclaim it not only in far away countries but in our surroundings

Your turn
How can I be a witness to the values of the Gospel in my culture?

February 14. St. Valentine

We don’t know for sure why this saint is associated with hearts, chocolate and falling in love. What we do know is that he was among the first Christians to be martyred and was persecuted by Claudius II. St. Valentine was arrested, beaten, and decapitated for refusing to denounce his faith.

Your turn
Do you think losing your head this manner is excessive? How much are you willing to give when you are in love?

February 21. St. Peter Damian

St. Peter was born in Ravenna, Italy, the son of extremely poor parents. This Benedictine monk grew to become a bishop and cardinal in Ostia. He was a tireless fighter seeking reform in the church, a companion and collaborator of Hildebrand, who later became Pope Gregory VII. During his service as pope, Peter fought for the freedom of the church, as well as against corruption and simonies. He lived an austere life, preached very well and wrote a lot. He was declared a doctor of the church in 1828.

Your turn
What causes would like to commit to? Are honesty and integrity important to you? What or who would you need to confront in defense of the truth and good?

February 22. Chair of St. Peter.

It may seem strange to celebrate the feast of a chair, however, that is precisely what the Church does. But it is not just any chair; it is the chair of St. Peter, the first pope and head of the Church. The feast commemorates when St. Peter took possession of the Episcopal seat of Rome and consists of recognizing the role of the pope as a guarantee to the continuity of the Church’s unity.

Your turn
What do you think of the Church? Do you feel you are an integral part or just someone who goes to Mass sometimes on Sundays?