St. Giles He was a Greek saint and was born in an Athenian noble family, in the year 650 A.D. Legend says that he was the son of King Theodore and Queen Pelagia of Athens. He was spending a lot of his time in solitude in a forest near Nimes and there his only companion was a red deer. One day a hunter shot an arrow aimed at the red deer but the arrow wounded the saint. As per one story about him, the said red deer gave St. Giles her milk to sustain him. St. Giles ate only vegetarian diet and was very much reputed for his personal sanctity. He was credited with many miracles. A King named Wamba, a Visigoth King, constructed a monastery for St. Giles and placed it under the Benedictine Rule. St. Giles rejected all honors conferred on him. He died in the year 710. St. Giles is revered as a patron of physically handicapped. #Catholic #trust #saint #physicallyhandicapped #patron #universe #world #peace #vegetarian #personal #sanctity #personalsantity #pure #diet #deer

Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus St. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were very prominent Jews and were members of the supreme Jewish Council called Sanhedrin. Mathew called Joseph as a rich man and Luke called him as a good and upright man. Even though Joseph was a very important Jewish leader, he believed in the coming kingdom of God and started believing that Jesus might be the Messiah. Luke calls him a good and upright man. After the death of Jesus on the cross at Golgotha, Joseph courageously met Pilate, the Procurator of Judea, in person and asked him the body of Jesus. Pilate also ordered to handover the body of Jesus to Joseph, after confirming from the guards that Jesus died on the cross. Joseph then wrapped the body of Jesus with 100 pounds of myrrh and aloes brought by Nicodemus, in fine linen and buried in a cave tomb hewn for him. Nicodemus helped Joseph in all these activities and he only brought the myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus. Joseph and Nicodemus have given an honorable burial to Jesus following the Jewish burial procedure. Nicodemus was a secret disciple of Jesus and he came to Jesus one night to listen to His teachings and praised Jesus Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles you have done (John 3: 2). When the Chief priest sent guards to arrest Jesus, they did not brought Jesus. When the Chief Priests and the Pharisees condemned the officers who have said no one talked like Him (Jesus), they cursed them. But Nicodemus told them whether our laws judge anyone before hearing what had happened (John\-7:45\-51). Nicodemus made this comment naturally in support of Jesus. St. Joseph of Arimathea is the patron saint of Funeral Directors and Pallbearers. #Catholic #trust #believers #followers #Jesus #support #help #courage #funeral #jesus #death #supreme #burial #secret #world #Christian

The Church Father’s - St. Basil, Athanasius, Augustine, Jerome, etc, were godly men; men whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose. But Christian doctrine and truth did not, and does not, end with them as Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and certain Protestant denominations maintain. God is still giving to the body of Christ insight and understanding in the Word of God.

Martyrdom of John the Baptist St. John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth became pregnant with John in her old age, according to God's plan, which was revealed to Zechariah by the Archangel Gabriel when Zechariah was in the temple. While Elizabeth was pregnant, Holy Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her and helped her. The name "John" was chosen by God and also announced by the Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah. As a young man, John lived in the desert, wearing clothes made from camel hair and surviving on locusts and honey. He spent his life giving witness to Jesus, declaring that Jesus was the Son of God. John also baptized Jesus and publicly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus praised John, saying that he was greater than an apostle. John was bold in speaking the truth, even to powerful people, and he openly criticized them for their sins. One example of John’s courage was when he condemned Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother Herod Philip I was still alive. Herod Antipas had divorced his first wife, Phasaelis, to be with Herodias, which was unlawful. Herod wanted to kill John but was afraid to because many people believed John was a prophet and a holy man. At a banquet, Herodias' daughter, Salome, performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod Antipas. In his delight, Herod promised to give her anything she asked for, even up to half of his kingdom. At her mother Herodias' urging, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was reluctant, he had to keep his promise and ordered John's beheading. John was executed at the fortress of Machaerus around 30 to 35 A.D. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote that Herod's army was later destroyed as divine punishment for the killing of St. John the Baptist. John the Baptist is considered the forerunner of Jesus, sent by God to prepare the way for Christ’s coming. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, Christians believe they should prepare themselves for the second coming of Jesus, which will bring the Last Judgment and establish the Kingdom of God. To do this, we must strive to live as true followers of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. #Catholic #trust #death #martyr #John #Christian #

St. Augustine of Hippo St. Augustine was the son of St. Monica and was born on November 13, 354. He led a wicked life of parties and entertainment and then converted to Christian faith by the prayers of his mother St. Monica. He got the sudden change of mind when he heard the conversion of two persons after reading the life of St. Antony. He cried to the God to forgive him from his sins and sinful life. At that time when he was praying to God, a child nearby was singing "Take up and read". He thought that it is a message to him from God and started reading the book of letters of St. Paul. From then on St. Augustine began a new life. Baptized in the year 387 and then he became a priest in the year 391. He also became a very famous Christian thinker and writer. He became the Bishop of Hippo Regius in the year 391 and remained in that post till his death on August 28, 430. St. Augustine vigorously condemned the practice of induced abortion. He stressed infant baptism. He was of the full faith that the Virgin Mary conceived as virgin, gave birth as virgin and stayed virgin forever. He healed one person from his illness by laying his hands on the head of that person. He was proclaimed as Doctor of the Church by Pope Boniface-VIII in the year 1298. He is one of the greatest catholic saints ever lived. #faith #Catholic #world #saint #St. #doctor #church #abortion #Virgin

St. Monica St. Monica was born in the year 331 A.D. and she was married to one pagan official in North Africa. She had three children named Augustine, Navigius and Perpetua. Her husband was a short tempered person and St. Monica lived with patience with him. By her continuous prayer and patience she could convert her husband and her mother-in-law to Christian faith in the year 370. But her husband died after one year from his conversion. Her daughters Navigius and Perpetua entered the religious life. But her son Augustine was not leading a religious life but was living a life that can be called as a wicked life. St. Monica has prayed continuously for more than 17 years for the conversion of her son Augustine to Christian faith. Others used to console her that the tears of a good mother would not go waste but would give positive results. At last her son Augustine accepted Christian faith and got baptized by St. Ambrose in the year 387. Later her son Augustine became a great Christian thinker and theologian and a great saint. St. Monica died in the same year 387 A.D., after the conversion of her son to Christian faith, as if her duty was over. She is venerated as the patron of wives and abuse victims. #catholic #custom #tradition #faith #Augustine #prayer #power #legacy #prayerworks #motherslove #continuity

St. Joseph Calasanz St. Joseph was born on September 11, 1557 in the kingdom of Spain. His father was Don Pedro Calasanz and mother Maria Gaston. St. Joseph was ordained a priest on December 17, 1583. He came to Rome and concentrated fully on giving education to poor children. He started the first free public school in November, 1597, in Europe. He started to live a community life with his assistants and laid the foundation of the Order of the Pious Schools or Piarists. This congregation of the Order of Pious Schools was approved by the Pope Paul-V, in the year 1617. This congregation of Pious Schools was converted into a religious order on November 18, 1621 by Pope Gregory-XV with the name "Order of Clerks Regular Poor of the Mother of God of Pious Schools". St. Joseph was the first Superior general of this religious congregation of Pious Schools. He was a great supporter of Galileo and his theory of cosmos. St. Joseph was beatified by Pope Benedict-XIV on August-7, 1748 and canonized by Pope Clement-XIII on July 16, 1767. St. Joseph Calasanz was declared as the "Universal Patron of all Christian Popular Schools in the World" by Pope Pius-XII on August 13, 1948. #Catholic #school patronsaint #world #salvation #truth #fact #history #base #universalpatron #schoo1617 #freeschool1597 #freepublicschool #publicschool #public

St. Bartholomew St. Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is the same person of Nathaniel mentioned in the Gospel of John. When Philip told Nathaniel about Jesus, "We saw the Messiah as told in scriptures, who is the Jesus of Nazareth", Nathaniel then told "Can anything good come from Nazareth". Then Philip introduced Nathaniel to Jesus and Jesus told about him "Israelite……..incapable of deceit". Bartholomew is mentioned as one of the disciples of Jesus in gospel of Mathew (10: 1 \- 4), in the gospel of Mark (3: 13\-19) and in the gospel of Luke (6: 12\-16). He is mentioned as Nathanael in the gospel of John (1: 45\-51). Eusebius of Caesarea and St. Jerome says that Bartholomew went on missionary work to India also. Then along with Apostle Jude, Bartholomew went to Armenia in the first century. By his missionary work, Bartholomew converted Polymius, the king of Armenia to Christianity. But the king's brother Astyages ordered the execution of Bartholomew. He was martyred in Armenia (Albanopolis) by crucifixion, head downward. St. Bartholomew and St. Jude are considered as the patrons of the Armenian Apostolic Church. #followjesus #Catholic #trust #hope #world peace #kingofpeace

** 23th AUGUST 2026 CATHOLIC SUNDAY MASS BIBLE READING**

Queenship of Mary The Feast of the Queenship of Mary is a celebration in the Catholic Church that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. This feast was officially established by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954, through an important Church document called an encyclical titled Ad Caeli Reginam ("To the Queen of Heaven"). The idea of Mary being a queen goes back much further in Christian tradition, but this feast made it an official part of Catholic practice. Title "Theotokos" – Mother of God One of the key teachings about Mary is that she is called the "Theotokos," a Greek word meaning "God-bearer" or "the one who gives birth to God." This title was given to her at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D., a significant gathering of Church leaders in the early Christian Church. The council proclaimed this title to affirm that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, and that Mary, as His mother, gave birth to the Son of God in human form. By calling her "Theotokos," the Church recognized her important role in the mystery of the Incarnation—when God became human in the person of Jesus. Queenship of Mary The concept of Mary as queen comes from the belief that since Jesus is the King of all humanity, His mother would naturally share in His kingship. In many cultures, the mother of a king is given a special title of honor, and this applies to Mary as well. Just as Jesus is King of Heaven and Earth, Mary is seen as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her queenship is not a role of power or authority but of grace and intercession. Catholics believe that as a loving mother, Mary prays for and cares for all people, guiding them toward her Son, Jesus. In the Book of Revelation (12:1), Mary is described in a vision as "a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head." This image is seen as a symbolic representation of Mary as Queen of Heaven. The crown of twelve stars is often understood to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, showing her connection to the people of God. Mary's Role in Salvation Mary’s role in salvation is deeply tied to her being chosen to be the mother of Jesus. When God sent His only Son into the world, He chose Mary to be the vessel through which Jesus would be born. This makes her central to God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. She accepted God’s will with humility and faith, saying "yes" to becoming the mother of Jesus (known as the Annunciation), which Catholics believe played a crucial role in bringing about the salvation of the world. The Immaculate Conception Another important belief about Mary is the Immaculate Conception. This teaching says that Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb (Saint Anne) without original sin. Original sin is believed to be the state of sin that all humans are born into due to the fall of Adam and Eve. However, because Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, God gave her a special grace to be free from original sin from the moment of her conception. This teaching became official Church dogma in 1854 under Pope Pius IX. Mary as the Gate to Heaven In Catholic belief, Mary is often called the "Gate of Heaven." This title reflects the idea that because of her unique role as the mother of Jesus, she has a special place in helping people come to God. Catholics believe that Mary’s prayers and intercession can help lead people to Jesus and, ultimately, to eternal life with God. This is why prayers like the "Hail Mary" ask for her to "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." Conclusion: A Queen Who Cares for Us Mary’s role as Queen of Heaven and Earth is not about ruling with power but about her role as a loving, caring mother who helps guide people to her Son, Jesus. Her queenship is a reflection of her unique position in the history of salvation, and the Catholic Church honors her for saying "yes" to God’s plan and for her continued intercession for humanity. When Catholics pray to Mary, they are asking for her help in bringing their needs to Jesus, much like a child asking their mother for guidance and protection. The feast of the Queenship of Mary serves as a reminder of her special place in the life of the Church and in the hearts of believers. It celebrates her dignity and the honor given to her as the mother of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. #kingandqueen #king #queen #mothermary #queenofheavenandearth #earthquake #heavenqueen #queenofthechurch #motherofjesuschrist #jesusistheking #maryisthequeen #motheroftheking #Catholic #Christian #trust #truth #custom #tradition #fact #grace #intercession #gateofheaven