“Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.” (Luke 2:14)

“Charity full of mercy—we know well—comes from the heart of Christ, and we draw it in prayer, especially in Adoration, and in approaching the Eucharist.” (Pope Francis, September 18, 2015) “Jesus is the Bread of Life for our families. He wants to be ever present, nourishing us by his love, sustaining us in faith, helping us to walk in hope, so that in every situation we can experience the true Bread of Heaven.” (Pope Francis, Cuba, September 22, 2015, Meeting of Families) A FAMILY OF SAINTS: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION LEADS TO SANCTIFICATION

Sts. Louis (1823–1894) and Zelie (1831–1877) Martin, parents of St. Therese

Canonized October 18, 2015

“Remain in Him now, little ones, so that, when He reveals Himself, we may be fully confident and not retreat in shame at His coming. If you consider the holiness that is His, you can be sure that everyone who acts in holiness has been begotten by Him.”(1 Jn. 3:28-29)

During her short life on this earth St. Therese of Lisieux was a “little one.” Born January 2, 1873, Therese was the youngest child of 9 in the Martin family, 4 having died in infancy. Her parents Louis and Zelie instilled a strong Catholic faith in their children, both in teaching and example.They attended daily mass and frequent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as a family.In addition, Louis belonged to the Nocturnal Adoration Society and shared his Eucharistic devotion with St. Therese. She writes, “Every afternoon I went for a little walk with papa. Together we would visit the Blessed Sacrament, each day visiting a new church.” They prayed at home daily, together, and had a great devotion to Our Lady. Zelie's greatest desire in life was that all of her children become Saints. Zelie became very ill and was so weak that she could not even open the Church door. She would go to Church and wait on the steps for someone to open the door so she could attend Mass and adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. When Zelie died of breast cancer at age 45, little Therese was only 4 years old. Zelie left her children with their strong faith and love which carried them through their intense period of grief and mourning. Marie, Pauline, Leonie and Celine, Therese's older sisters, became her great consolation. Her Father, Louis Martin, tried to lovingly protect Therese and her sisters from the darkness of the world.

During Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, for the World Meeting of Families, the relics of Louis and Zelie were venerated at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, PA. Their canonization on October 18, 2015 coincides with the Synod of the Family at the Vatican. Louis and Zelie are a tremendous witness to the great importance of Holy Families. They are role models for Catholic parents today. As parents, both biological and spiritual, we need to keep God’s design for us and our children foremost in our minds, hearts and lives. That design is no less than Sanctity for each one of us and our children, and all of His children!

St. Therese said of her parents “God gave me a father and a mother more worthy of heaven than of earth.” Louis and Zelie did such an outstanding job as parents and were so holy that all five of their daughters became religious sisters.Strengthened by the Holy Eucharist at daily Mass and Adoration, Louis and Zelie inspired and led St. Therese, and her sisters, along the path ofSanctity.Some of their other daughters are also being considered for beatification!

These times in which we live are surely not enveloped in any less darkness than the time of the Martin family. Let us invoke the intercession of Louis and Zelie for our own salvation and that of our families, indeed the salvation of the whole family of God.(Adapted from an article by L. Bracy with permission.Copyrighted. All rights reserved.)

St. Therese of Lisieux, Carmelite Nun, Patroness of Missionaries, (1873-1897), France—Oct. 1 “The Divine Prisoner of the tabernacle awaits the visit and the gratitude of his creatures who abandon him! He knocks at the door of our heart to make of it a tabernacle where he can rest.” (St. Therese)

Guardian Angels—Oct. 2 Ask your Guardian Angel to help you to grow in love and adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. They “constantly behold the face of My Father in heaven.” (Matt 18:10)

St. Theodore Guerin, Foundress of the Sisters of Providence, (1798-1856), France—Oct. 3

“He remains with us day and night. Yes, while you are peacefully sleeping Jesus is watching over you.” “The spirit of faith consists in doing our actions for God, in His presence, to look upon all events of life as directed by Him.” Strengthened by the Holy Eucharist, St. Theodore founded the first liberal arts college in the U.S. for women.

Respect Life Sunday—Oct. 4 “[The] ‘Golden Rule’” reminds us of “our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.” (Pope Francis, address to Congress, Sept. 24, 2015) “The Blood of Christ will free us from our sins and restore our dignity.” (Pope Francis, June 5, 2015)

Bl. Marie-Rose Durocher, Founder, Srs. of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, (1811-1849), Canada—Oct. 6 Devoted to the Holy Eucharist and Our lady, Bl. Marie-Rose spent hours in adoration of our Blessed Lord. She tirelessly worked for the care and education of poor children, despite her poor health, and consoled the suffering.

Anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparition at Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun (1917)—Oct. 13 Our Lady’s last apparition, witnessed by 70,000 people, culminated with the Miracle of the Sun! This miracle was a sign of the great love, mercy and glory of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist! Our Blessed Mother said, “I am the Lady of the Rosary, and I desire a chapel built in my honor in this place.” During the course of her six apparitions, Our Lady asked that we go to confession, frequently receive and adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, daily pray the Rosary, and make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. In this her last visit, she was with St. Joseph who held the Christ Child in his arms, as he blessed everyone—stressing the importance of invoking his intercession. Mary was dressed as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, wearing the brown scapular, highlighting its importance as a sacramental. Our Lady promised “My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” “If people do what I tell you, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.” “My Immaculate Heart will triumph.”

St. Teresa of Avila, Carmelite Nun, Reformer, Mystic, (1515-1582), Spain—Oct. 15 This feast of St. Teresa concludes the year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of her birth. St. Teresa, a Doctor of the Church, was a great lover of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. One day St. Teresa heard someone say: “If only I had lived at the time of Jesus... If only I had seen Jesus... If only I had talked with Jesus...” She responded: “But do we not have in the Eucharist the living, true and real Jesus present before us? Why look for more?”

St. Gerard Majella, Religious, Patron of Expectant Mothers, (1726-1755), Italy—Oct. 16 “When he assisted during the day at the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, despite the permanent effort to hide himself from the view of others, Gerard’s countenance became luminous....he seemed to be a seraph” (de Cosmio).

St. Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart, (1647-1690), France—Oct. 16 “Love keeps Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Let us love Him with all our might and strength.” (St. Margaret Mary)

Sts. Isaac Jogues (1607-1646), John de Brebeuf, & Companions, Jesuit Martyrs, France—Oct. 19

Strengthened by Mass and Adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist, St. Isaac Jogues and his Jesuit companions offered their lives for the true faith. Protect our Land, O Heavenly Patrons, which you have bedewed with the rich treasure of your blood. Watch over our Catholic Faith which you helped to establish in this new land. Bring all our fellow citizens to a knowledge and love of the truth.

Pope St. John Paul II, Apostle of the Eucharist, (1920-2005), Poland—Oct. 22

“Do not be afraid to give reasons for the hope that dwells in you, a hope that has a concrete name: Jesus Christ! This hope must be transmitted to your contemporaries, helping them to seek, offering them authentic friendship and acceptance, leading them to discover the great gift of the Eucharist.” (St. John Paul II, Oct. 9, 2004, Rome)

St. Jude Thaddeus, Apostle, Martyr, Patron of Impossible Cases, (d. 67), Galilee—Oct. 28 Good St. Jude, help of the hopeless, forgotten apostle, please intercede for me before the face of God. Please pray for me to go to Him and seek His presence in my times of need. Amen.

All Saints Day—Nov. 1

“Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been the fervent devotion of the Saints.Their adoration lasted hours and hours, sometimes whole days or nights. There ‘at Jesus' feet’ like Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:39), keeping Him fond and intimate company, absorbed in contemplating Him, they surrendered their hearts in a pure and fragrant offering of adoring love.” (Fr. Stefano Manelli, OFM)

All Souls Day—Nov. 2 “We are reminded of Martha and Mary accompanying Jesus to the tomb of their brother Lazarus.The words of Martha, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day’ (John 11:24), echo in our souls as we pray and grieve for our beloved dead. I think that praying for the dead is one of the healthiest things we can do when we feel that death has robbed us of their presence . . . And in what better place could we pray for the dead than before the Eucharist, where we can experience Our Blessed Savior Present? If we pray in the presence of the Lord, are we not like Martha and Mary? (Praying in the Presence of Our Lord: For the Holy Souls)

St. Martin de Porres, Patron of South America, Surgeon, Miracle Worker, (1579-1639), Peru—Nov. 3 From a young age, St. Martin spent many hours daily adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It was in this great school of Eucharistic Love that Martin grew incompassion for the poor, sick, lowly and needy.

St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop, Patron of Catechists, (1538-1584), Italy—Nov. 4 St. Charles worked and prayed “for the devout celebration of the Eucharist and in the adoration of Christ present in the Eucharist . . . . May he inflame within us a love for the Saviour, who wanted to remain with us under the species of bread and wine” (Pope John Paul II, Nov. 4, 2004).

St. Martin of Tours, Patron of Soldiers, (316-397) Italy—Nov. 11 As a soldier, Martin was charitable. Later, his Eucharist devotion drew him to the Priesthood where he became a great preacher and teacher! Let us pray for our soldiers and veterans!

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Religious, Founder, Missionary, Ptn. of Immigrants, (1850-1917), Italy—Nov. 13 St. Frances was the first American citizen to become a saint. Mother and her sisters made Holy Hours before the Sacred Eucharistic Heart of Jesus every day,despite their demanding schedule. She said: “Pray always with Jesus, always remembering that a soul united with Jesus can do everything.”

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Wife, Mother, 3rd Order Franciscan, (1207-1231)—Nov. 17

Patroness of hospitals and third order Franciscans, St. Elizabeth was devoted to the sick and poor. Empowered by Jesus, her Eucharistic love, she built a hospital and fed hundreds daily!

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Religious Missionary, (1769-1852) France, Nov. 18 “Although they could not communicate with her verbally, the Indians loved Mother Philippine. They named her ‘The Woman Who Prays Always,’ for she spent much of her time praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament for the success of their mission.” (Modern Saints: Their Lives and Faces, Book I, Ann Ball)

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Nov. 21 As a child, Mary was presented to the Lord in the temple by her parents, Anne and Joachim. Mary gave herself completely to do the Father's will. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the womb of the Virgin Mary became the first tabernacle of adoration for Christ the King!

St. Catherine Laboure, Religious Mystic, Miraculous Medal Visionary, (1806-1876), France—Nov. 28 “While making Eucharistic Adoration in deep silence, I seemed to hear a sound coming from the side of the tribune, like the rustle of a silk dress. I got up and looked and saw the Holy Virgin.” (St. Catherine)

St. Francis Xavier, Jesuit Priest, Patron of Missionaries, (1506-1552), Spain—Dec. 3 St. Francis often spent whole hours during the day and into the night before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, Who gave him the grace and the strength to lead so many souls to Christ.“What shall we say of St. Francis Xavier who at times when distributing Holy Communion felt so carried away by a sense of adoration toward Our Lord Who was in his hands, that he got on his knees and in that position continued giving Holy Communion? Did that not present a witness of faith and love worthy of heaven?” (Fr. Stefano Manelli, O.F.M.)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception—Dec. 8

“The Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit sanctified Mary in order to make her a worthy tabernacle for the Divine Word . . . the remote preparation for Holy Communion” (St. Peter Julian Eymard).

St. Juan Diego, Visionary, (1474-1548), Mexico—Dec. 9 An Aztec Indian to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, chosen by God to spread her message!

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Conversions & Miracles, (App. 1531), Mexico—Dec. 12 “‘I ardently desire,’ she said, ‘that a church be built here.’Right from the start, then, God’s mother indicated the Eucharistic orientation of her mission ....Guadalupe itself is now a world famous shrine visited by some 20 million pilgrims a year.The miraculous image, displayed above the high altar of the basilica, appears to look down adoringly on the tabernacled Lord below.The adjoining Adoration Chapel attracts large numbers, including many adorers making the Holy Hour ....The grace of the Lord’s sacramental presence reaches far and wide” (Fr. Foley).

St. John of the Cross, Carmelite Priest and Doctor, (c. 1542-1591), Spain—Dec. 14

Of St. John of the Cross it is written that the Holy Eucharist was “all his glory, all his happiness, and for him far surpassed all the things of the earth” (The Collected Works of St. John of The Cross).

St. Stephen, Deacon, Martyr, Patron of Deacons and Stonemasons, (d. 35)—Dec. 26

St. Stephen was the first martyr who gave his life in witness to Christ.

Feast of the Holy Innocents—Dec. 28 “The adoration of the Lord in the sacrament is also an education in sensitizing our conscience . . . When the conscience becomes dulled, this lets in the violence that lays waste the world.” (Pope Benedict XVI) Pray before Jesus Eucharistic for an end to the slaughter of the unborn. Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—Dec. 28 “The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger” (Lk 2:16). “We fall down in adoration before the Son of God. We unite ourselves in spirit to the wonder of Mary and Joseph. As we adore Christ, born in a stable, we make our own the faith filled with astonishment, of the shepherds of that time; we feel their same amazement and their same joy.” (Pope John Paul II)

We wish everyone a Blessed Christmas Season & a very Happy and Holy New Year!!!

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