Wednesday’s Woman: St. Engracia

The Basics: Born in the late third century in Portugal; died about 303 in Spain; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, April 16. Martyr. The Story: The 700-mile journey must have started with joy, and perhaps a little apprehension. After all, Engracia was leaving her home in Braga, Portugal, to marry a Spanish nobleman. The match was significant enough… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Engracia

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mary the Slave

The Basics: Born unknown; died in the fourth century in Italy; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, November 1. Victim of persecution. The Story: Mary was not popular with the other slaves of Roman senator Tertullus, at least in part because as the only Christian, she refused to participate in pagan rites. Tertullus found her to be an… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mary the Slave

Courage and Faith in Staying Put

Note: On Tuesdays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.  Today’s lectionary first reading from Acts 16 tells us of Paul and Silas, praying and singing in prison, when an earthquake rattles the place to its foundation, throwing open the doors… Continue reading Courage and Faith in Staying Put

St. Margaret Clitherow: 2014 Daily Lenten Reflections

St. Margaret Clitherow was born about 1556 in York, England, and died on March 25, 1586. Margaret is among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales who were executed between 1535 and 1679 on treason and related charges for defending the Catholic faith. Margaret converted to Catholicism when she was eighteen, and was an ardent… Continue reading St. Margaret Clitherow: 2014 Daily Lenten Reflections