The Communion of Saints
946 After confessing "the holy catholic Church", the Apostles' Creed adds "the communion of saints". In a certain sense, this article is a further explanation of the preceding: "What is the Church if not the assembly of all the saints". The communion of saints is the Church.
947 "Since all the faithful form on body, the good of each is communicated to the others.... We must therefore believe that there exists a communion of goods in the Church. But the most important member is Christ, since he is the head... Therefore, the riches of Christ are communicated to all members, through the sacraments". "As this Church is governed by one and the same Spirit, all the goods she has received necessarily become a common fund." CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx
What is a patron saint?
Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life. These areas can include occupations, illnesses, churches, countries, causes -- anything that is important to us. The earliest records show that people and churches were named after apostles and martyrs as early as the fourth century.
Recently, the popes have named patron saints but patrons can be chosen by other individuals or groups as well. Patron saints are often chosen today because an interest, talent, or event in their lives overlaps with the special area. Angels can also be named as patron saints. A patron saint can help us when we follow the example of that saint's life and when we ask for that saint's intercessory prayers to God.
Who is your Patron Saint?
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/patron02.htm
For example, Francis of Assisi loved nature and so he is patron of ecologists. Francis de Sales was a writer and so he is patron of journalists and writers. Clare of Assisi was named patron of television because one Christmas when she was too ill to leave her bed she saw and heard Christmas Mass -- even though it was taking place miles away.
The Beatification of John Paul II by Pope Benedict XVI
One of the greatest treasures that came to light during John Paul II's beatification process was his close, personal and profound relationship with Christ, says the postulator of the Pontiff's cause. Monsignor Slawomir Oder, who is also the judicial vicar of the court of appeal of the Diocese of Rome, revealed to ZENIT that John Paul II was "a man who lived in the presence of God, who let himself be guided by the Holy Spirit, who was in constant dialogue with the Lord, and who built his whole life around the question [asked to peter]: 'Do you love me?'"
John Paul II died April 2nd, 2005, at the age of 84. The cause for his beatification began on June 28th, 2005, after Benedict XVI waived the customary five-year waiting period before a beatification process can begin. He will be beatified Mate 1st in Rome.
To read more, click on the following link: http://www.karol-wojtyla.org/En/Home%20Page.aspx[/url
ALL SAINTS ALL SOULS CATECHESIS | |
