November Saints

November 3. St. Martin de Porres.

Born in Lima, Peru, he was the son of a Spanish knight and a freed slave, and was always distinguished by his mercy. He joined the Order of St. Dominic as a lay brother. He was not allowed to join the priesthood because of his race. Educated as a surgeon he stilled worked as a nurse, not just in the religious community, but throughout the entire city. He built a hospital in his sister’s home to care for the needs of the people; instituted an orphanage; a food distribution for the poor, and other charities. He suffered discrimination and rejection even within his religious order. St. Martin is a role model for those who, because of the color of their skin or social status, are alienated by society. With his life, he gave lessons of inclusion and justice with the small actions he carried out in his daily life and, without speaking, they demonstrated the love God has for everyone.

Your turn
Have you ever endured discrimination? Did you ever feel you were rejecting someone because they were different? How far would you go to defend the vocation you have been called to by God?  Do you cave in as soon as you face an obstacle?

November 4. St. Charles Borromeo.

A great worker, St. Charles was worn out because of the mission of the Church. He was born in Italy in 1538 and at the age of 21 earned a doctorate in law in the University of Milan. Soon after, Charles was appointed Secretary of State to the Vatican, renounced his wealth, and dedicated his life entirely to the mission for which he was called. He founded 740 schools for religious instruction with 3,000 catechists and 40,000 students. He also founded 6 seminaries. He was a friend to many of the saints from his time such as Felipe Neri, Felix de Cantalicio and Andrew Avellino.

Your turn
What do you see as your mission in life? What are you willing to give up for it? Do you transmit good things to your friends and the desire to live an upright life?  

November 5. St. Celestine.

Born in 1215 in Italy, St. Celestine is the only pope in history to have resigned his position. His parents were very pious and encouraged him as a child to become a priest. It is said that the first book he learned to read was the book of Psalms. At the age of 20, he went in search of a hermit who was dedicated to prayer and St. Celestine remained at the hermitage where he suffered what mystics call the dark night. Many men, who felt the call to the life of prayer, went to St. Celestine to seek advice and 14 convents were built and placed under his direction. When Pope Nicolas IV died, the cardinals were divided over the election of a new pope and decided to elect a monk. They elected Celestine who was already 80 years old. The people venerated and acclaimed him, but St. Celestine realized he was not prepared for the position and did not have the necessary qualifications. He did not know the canons of the church or Latin, and he was very innocent and generous, which is why many took advantage of him. St. Celestine recognized it had been a mistake to accept the position, resigned, returning to a life of solitude and prayer. Fears that his popularity would cause the people to turn against the new pope, Celestine was imprisoned. But he was very happy because in his cell he would be completely dedicated to prayer and meditation.

Your turn
Do you think, like so many, it is sometimes good to be considered an idiot? Have you ever felt that people were taking advantage of your kindness and abused your patience? Have you ever thought you were not ready for what was being asked of you? What did you do? What do you truly wish for in life?

November 6.  St. Alexander Sauli. 

He was very young when he joined the religious community of the Barnabites and immediately began preaching with so much strength and conviction that St. Charles Borromeo invited him to preach in his cathedral during Lent. News of his fame reached the Pope, who appointed him as bishop in the island of Corsica. When Alexander arrived on the island, he was met with little education and a poorly prepared clergy. He began to work hard, visiting every single one of the parishes in the diocese and asking that catechism be taught everywhere. The change was remarkable. It is also said that through his intercession miracles were obtained, For example, when a bad harvest was predicted, Alexander blessed the fields and that year they had one of the most abundant harvest ever.

Your turn
What situation around you would you like to change? What actions can you take to achieve the change?

November 8. St. Andrew Avellino.

He was a famous attorney who lied during a trial and soon after realized his mistake, was afraid, and left his legal career to become a priest. He joined the Theatines, was appointed teacher for the novices, and eventually became the superior. He was sent, at the request of the archbishop of Milan, St. Charles Borromeo, to the task of reforming the convents that had become very lax, sometimes even at the risk of his own life. In Piacenza, his preaching produced such a great change of behavior that the owners of bars and gambling houses protested to the governor because they were losing business. His preaching led to the conversion of many.

Your turn
Which career do you think God wants for you? Do you think it would be necessary to abandon your career so you can follow the call of God? Could it be God is calling you to be a good professional, committed to your faith from your daily life?

November 8. Blessed Isabel of the Trinity.

She was a young French woman with a passionate temper, prone to fits of rage, which she learned to control in order to become a disciple of Christ. At the age of 21 she joined the Carmel, where with her life of prayers and through her writings about the mystery of the Trinity, she has had a great influence in the spirituality of many Christians. She died when she was just 26 years old.

Your turn
What characteristics of your personality can help or are an obstacle to improving your discipleship with Christ? Where can you find help?

November 10. St. Leo the Great.

He was born in Italy during the 5th century and was secretary to Pope Celestine and Sixtus III before he, himself, was appointed Pope in the year 440. From the beginning of his pontificate Leo demonstrated great capabilities. He preached a great deal, of which 96 of his sermons have been preserved, as well as 144 letters. He had to confront different types of enemies, both within the church and externally, because of the prevalence of heretics during his time, however he had an enormous faith in God. The people of Rome felt a great veneration for him.

Your turn
What difficulties—externally, internally, and even personally—do you think you would have to overcome to fulfill with the mission you feel called to?

November 11. St. Martin of Tours. 

He was a saint of the 4th century. Although he was a military man, he is remembered by an anecdote of peace. On a very cold winter day he saw a poor man without any clothes. Since Martin had nothing with him, he cut his cloak in half with his sword and gave it to the poor man. That night he had a vision where Christ was telling him that he had covered Him with half his cloak. Since then, Martin gave up military life and went to Poitiers where he began his instruction to religious life. He founded a monastery where many people went to study with him. He was later appointed Bishop of Tours, where he founded another convent and traveled throughout the diocese, leaving a priest in every town. He was the founder of rural parishes in France. It is said he was happy, kind and always in a good mood. He expressed great benevolence toward everyone. He earned the love and affection of the people, although he had to battle against the practice of torture and other vices.  

Your turn
Do you have a personality that attracts others because of your kindness, good humor, and joy? If not, what could you do to attain it? Do you generously share the little or abundance you may have with those in need?

November 12. St. Josaphat.

He was a young Lithuanian from a very pious family. He worked as an apprentice to a fabric merchant and during his free time read religious books, yet he never neglected his obligations. The merchant became fond of him and offered his daughter in marriage so the young man could inherit all his wealth. Josaphat was grateful, but he did not accept the offer because he wanted to dedicate himself to religious life. He entered the Holy Trinity Monastery at Vilna where he became a monk. He was appointed superior of the monastery, but several monks who live there were orthodox and anti-Roman. With kindness and charm, Josaphat succeeded in winning them over.  In 1617 he was named Archbishop of Polotsk, where he discovered a completely abandoned diocese. He visited parishes, wrote a catechism, and dedicated his free time to visiting the poor and educating those who had not gone to school. At the time, Metetius decided he would be the archbishop and stirred the people against Josaphat. When Josaphat went to speak with them in an attempt to make peace, they set a trap and killed him. Months later, his executioners repented and converted to Catholicism. Josaphat is patron of those who work for Christian unity.

Your turn
Who should you make peace with? Are you making an effort to make peace or are you afraid to take risks in case you are rejected?

November 13. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. 

A 19th century Italian, who knew from a very young age, she wanted to be a missionary. When she was 18 she became a schoolteacher and wanted to join a religious order but was not allowed because of her poor health. Then she began teaching and the parish priest discovered her great capabilities. He recommended her to manage an orphanage where she demonstrated great aptitude. The bishop then advised her to establish a community of missionaries, which Frances did with seven friends, which became the Missionary Sisters of Sacred Heart. At the time there were many Italians who were migrating to the United States and the Archbishop of New York asked Mother Cabrini if her congregation could go there and tend to the spiritual needs of immigrants. She wanted to go to China, but Pope Leo XIII said “not to the East, but to the West.” Not without difficulties she founded hospitals, shelters and her congregation began to expand, not just in Italy but throughout Europe and the United States. Mother Cabrini became an American citizen and is the first U.S. citizen to be canonized.

Your turn
What do you feel you have to overcome to continue on your journey? How do you listen to the circumstances in life to redirect your steps should it be necessary to change course?

November 14. St. Gertrude.

A saint from the 13th century, she is the patroness of mystics. Since the age of five, St. Gertrude excelled as a student, learning in an astonishing manner, and with great speed. At the age of 25 she began having revelations from God and was more interested in religious and spiritual readings. St. Gertrude wrote five books with the messages she received from her revelations and is one of the patronesses of Catholic writers. Her works are of great help to those who are inclined toward a contemplative life.

Your turn
Do you have the skills to study? What can help you more? How can you use those intellectual skills to serve others? What type of prayer helps you the most?

November 15. St. Albert the Great.

He was a highly educated man. It is said that St. Albert the Great had knowledge in just about everything; he was a geographer, astronomer, physicist, chemist, and theologian. He taught St. Thomas Aquinas. Born in Germany in the 13th century into a high society family, he studied in the University of Padua, where despite his father’s opposition he decided to become a Dominican monk. He became a brilliant professor in Cologne, Paris, and in other universities. He wrote 38 books on all types of topics. Although he had been born into a wealthy family he learned to get used to poverty. All his teachings were directed toward helping people find the living Christ and the love of God.

Your turn
How do you use your knowledge in the service of others? Do you study, as part of your Christian commitment, or do you believe you already know enough?

November 16. St. Margaret of Scotland.

She was the daughter of King St. Edward of England. Her father was forced to flee due to the invasion of the Danes. The family returned later, taking refuge in Scotland where King Malcolm III discovered Margaret’s good qualities and married her. Margaret’s life as a queen continued to be one of service. She fed the poor children, cared for hundreds of the city’s poor, and gave away all she had. She was loved by all the people. She had six sons and two daughters. Malcolm, her husband, was rude and cruel but became kinder through his contact with Margaret, and he too ended up serving the poor. Two of their sons were saints and three were kings. Margaret paid for the construction of temples and organized an association of women dedicated to pious works. Upon her death, the people immediately began honoring her as a saint.

Your turn
What do you have that can be put into the service of others? Do you think you can do this despite your social position and status?

November 17. St. Elizabeth of Hungary. 

At the age of 15 she was given in marriage to Prince Ludwig of Thuringia. They had three children and loved each other deeply and gave everything they had to the poor. Ludwig died in the Crusades when Elizabeth was just 20 years old. She decided to live in poverty and care for the poor. The successor to her husband exiled her and Elizabeth was forced to leave with her three children and without any material resources. The King of Hungary later got her possessions reinstituted and with the money obtained Elizabeth built a great hospital for the poor and helped many needy families. She became a Franciscan sister and during the last four years of her life (she died at age 24) she was dedicated to helping the sick.

Your turn
What makes you so passionate you are capable of overcoming difficulties and pain to dedicate yourself to it? Why would you be willing to give it all up?

November 20. St. Roque González and companion martyrs.

Roque, the first saint from Paraguay, was born to Spanish parents. Everyone always thought he would become a priest and at the age of 23, he was ordained. From the beginning Roque dedicated his life to serving the Indians. At the age of 33 he joined the Company of Jesus (Jesuits) so he could work as a missionary. He went to the Jesuit reductions (Indian communities where the Jesuits coexisted and evangelized the people.) Roque worked there for 20 years, sometimes enduring great difficulties and danger. A hostile tribe, headed by the local medicine man, attacked the Catholic mission and martyred Roque and his companions, Alfonsus Rodríguez and Juan de Castillo.

Your turn
What group of people within the Church do you feel called to serve? How far are you willing to go to provide the service you feel called to?

November 23. St. Clement, Pope.

He was the third Pope in the history of the Church. From St. Clement we preserve a beautiful letter to the first Christians. He was exiled by Emperor Trajan and condemned to forced labor. In Crimea, where he was sent, he continued to evangelize and was martyred for refusing to worship Jupiter.

Your turn
If the circumstance of your life were to drastically change, do you think you could find a way to continue to live your calling?

November 24. St. Joseph Pignatelli.

This Spanish saint from the 18th century joined the Jesuits and his work was primarily to teach catechism to children and prisoners. In 1767, there was a great persecution of Jesuits and many governments gave in to the pressures to expel them from their countries. Father Pignatelli and his brother, who were from a rich family, received an offer to remain in Spain if they abandoned the Company of Jesus. They refused and were forced into exile. Some 23,000 Jesuits were left without their religious homes. The following 20 years were very hard for Pignatelli, but the story says he always maintained his patience, serenity, and good nature.  Empress Catherine of Russia refused to publish the abolition decree of the Jesuits and Father Pignatelli became affiliated with his brothers in Russia, and from Italy he embarked on the grand task of reorganizing the Jesuits in Italy. He would find vocations and send the novices to Russia. He succeeded in establishing Jesuit houses throughout Italy. He died in exile, but three years after his death the Company was again free to be instituted worldwide. The Jesuits honor with gratitude the work of Pignatelli.

Your turn
Do you think something is worthy of enduring difficulties, economic hardship, and persecutions? Is there something in your life that is worth it?

November 27. St. Catherine Labouré.

She was born in France to a family of farmers. When her mother died, she took refuge under the protection of the Virgin. Since her older sister joined a convent, St. Catherine had to take over the household chores and never learned to read or write. When Catherine was 14 she asked her father to let her join the convent, but he refused until she was 24 years old. She joined the Sisters of Charity and in November 1830 had a vision of the Miraculous Medal. The Virgin revealed that she would help those who went to her with the medal. In the beginning no one believed Catherine, but soon they were convinced by the great kindness of the nun. The medals were made and quickly became the object of devotion for the people. After the vision, St. Catherine lived the rest of her life in obscurity. It is said that Alphonse Ratisbonne, an anti-Catholic Jew, converted to Catholicism, through the medal. St. Catherine never sought to attain fame or honors and it was not until after her death that it became known, the visions of the medal had been revealed to her.

Your turn
Do you want the good things you do for people to be known and admired by others? What do you seek with your acts of kindness—to attain gratitude and popularity or to provide a service?

November 30. St. Andrew.

He was the son of Jonah, a fisherman, and the brother of Simon Peter. He was the first disciple along with John the Evangelist. It was Andrew who went to get his brother Simon to follow Jesus. They continued to be fishermen, although they were the friends and disciples of Jesus. A very old tradition says St. Andrew was crucified in Greece, under the Emperor Nero, tied in an X-shaped cross where he suffered for three days, preaching and teaching anyone who approached him.