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Saint Nicholas of Flüe

1417-1487

Feast Day: March 21 September 25 (Switzerland and Germany)

Patronage: Switzerland, Pontifical Swiss guard, councilmen, difficult marriages, large families, separated spouses

Saint Nicholas of Flüe, affectionately called “Bruder Klaus” (Brother Klaus), was a Swiss political figure, husband and father of 10, who became a hermit. He served in the military, was a magistrate and a councilor for the government. At 50, with the consent of his wife, he embraced the life of a hermit, living only on the Holy Eucharist for the rest of his life. Dignitaries and the common people visited him for advice and wisdom. He even prevented a civil war. He died of natural causes surrounded by his wife and children.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase. (website)

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THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT RITA OF CASCIA The Patron Saint of the Impossible and Lost Causes Feast Day: May 22

"Since we offend our sweet Jesus, every day, in thought, word, deed and the omission of good works, we should pray every day, and every hour of the day, and weep for our offenses against so kind and loving a Father, Master and Spouse."

The patron of the impossible, abused wives and widows, was born into a noble family at Roccaporena, Perugia, Umbria, Italy in 1381. At 12, despite her desire to enter the convent, she was asked by her parents - Antonio and Amata Ferri Lotti, to marry to Paolo Mancini, who was quick-tempered and immoral. With humility endured insults, physical abuses and infidelities for many years.

Eventually, the husband was stabbed to death during a family feud, and their two sons planned for revenge. Unable to restrain their vengeful desires, Rita requested the Lord to take them to himself rather than allowing them to commit a crime and lose their souls. Accordingly, they died of natural death a year later.

Afterwards, Rita desired to enter the Augustinian monastery in Cascia, but was turned away, for fear that the nuns might get involved in the family feud. Because of her insistence, the nuns requested as condition for acceptance the difficult task of reconciling her family with that of her husband's murderers.

By the grace of God, she succeeded, and at the age of 36, was able to enter the monastery. One day, as she was praying before the crucifix, a thorn from the crown of Jesus penetrated her forehead, and the stigmata remained till her death. At the end of her life, while bedridden at the convent, Rita requested her cousin from a rose from the garden of her old house. Despite the fact it was January, and no flower could survive the winter weather, a single blooming rose was found, and brought to her.

She breathed her last. Rita's final words to the sisters who gathered around her were: 'Remain in the holy love of Jesus. Remain in obedience to the holy Roman Church. Remain in peace and fraternal charity.'

Rita died peacefully on May 22, 1457 in Cascia, Perugia, Umbria, Italy, and she had acquired the reputation as a saint of impossible cases. The bells of the convent immediately began to ring, untouched by human hands, calling the people of Cascia to the doors of the convent, and to announce the triumphant completion of a life faithfully lived.

After her canonization as a saint by Pope Leo XIII on May 24, 1900, her incorrupted body is venerated in her shrine in Cascia.

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Saint Thomas More

1478-1535

Feast day: June 22 (New), July 9 (Trad)

Patronage: adopted children, civil servants, court clerks, difficult marriages, large families, politicians, lawyers, and statesmen

St. Thomas More was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman and noted Renaissance humanist. He was also a counselor to Henry VIII and Lord Chancellor from October 1529 to 16 May 1532. More opposed the Protestant Reformation, in particular, the theology of Martin Luther and William Tyndale. He also wrote Utopia, published in 1516, about the political system of an ideal and imaginary island nation. More opposed the King's separation from the Catholic Church, refusing to accept him as Supreme Head of the Church of England, and what he saw as Henry's bigamous marriage to Anne Boleyn. Tried for treason, More was convicted and beheaded.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase.

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