This Feast commemorates the conversion of Saul of Tarsus while he was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians. He was blinded by a light and thrown from his horse to the ground, hearing the words, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’
St Francis de Sales became Bishop of Geneva and did much to combat Calvinism. He also founded the Order of the Visitation, with St Jane Frances de Chantal, and produced popular spiritual works such as Introduction to the Devout Life. His flock called him ‘the Gentle Christ of Geneva’.
At the age of 13, St Agnes had a range of highranked young suitors. As she continued to refuse their attentions, they denounced her as a Christian, which was a crime at the time. The Prefect of Rome who investigated her case also made some advances, but she said: ‘I am already the spouse of a Lover much more noble and powerful than you.’
Pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI with these prayers from the Catholic Bishops Conference.
"“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” ( Lk 23:46). These were the final words spoken by the Lord on the cross; his last breath, as it were, which summed up what had been his entire life: a ceaseless self-entrustment into the hands of his Father. His were hands of forgiveness and compassion, healing and mercy, anointing and blessing, which led him also to entrust himself into the hands of his brothers and sisters." Read Pope Francis' homily from the funeral Mass of Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict XVI canonised 45 saints during his Pontificate. In this blog, meet eight of them and be inspired by their lives: St Damien of Molokai, St Hildegard of Bingen, St Mary MacKillop, St Kateri Tekakwitha, St André Bessette, St Mariannne Cope, St Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception and St Jeanne Jugan.
