842 Results 

1. ABIHU » Summoned by God to Sinai (Exodus 24:9)
2. ABINADAB » A Levite, in whose house the ark of God rested twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1,2; 2 Samuel 6:3,4; 1 Chronicles 13:7)
3. ABRAHAM » God's covenant with (Genesis 15;17:1-22; Micah 7:20; Luke 1:73; Romans 4:13;15:8;)
4. ABRAHAM » Friend of God (Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23)
5. AFFECTIONS » Should be supremely set upon God (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30)
6. AFFECTIONS » Should be set upon the commandments of God (Psalms 19:8-10;119:20,97,103,167)
7. AFFECTIONS » Should be set upon the house and worship of God (1 Chronicles 29:3; Psalms 26:8;27:4;84:1,2)
8. AFFECTIONS » Should be set upon the people of God (Psalms 16:3; Romans 12:10; 2 Corinthians 7:13-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:8)
9. AFFECTIONS » Should be zealously engaged for God (Psalms 69:9;119:139; Galatians 4:18)
10. AFFECTIONS » Blessedness of making God the object of (Psalms 91:14)

Sts. Cosmas and Damain

St. Martin de Porres

Patrons of Barbers

Sts. Cosmas and Damian

September 26

There are many legends surrounding Cosmas and Damian however we do know that they were martyred at Cyr in Syria sometime during the Diocletian persecution in the early fourth century.

One tradition relates that they were twin brothers who were born in Arabia. They traveled to Syria to study the sciences and ultimately became famous for their medical skills, which indicates that they were most likely from a fairly well-to-do family. Their brothers; Anthimus, Leontius and Euprepius were also martyred and are listed in the Roman Martyrology.

According to a popular tradition, Cosmas and Damian were physicians, working arduously to heal illnesses, but never taking payment for their work. Eastern Christians still venerate them as "non-mercenarians."

Cosmas and Damian are considered patrons of doctors and surgeons, especially those who volunteer their help without exacting payment. Their names have been included in the Canon of the Mass since the early centuries and they were very popular in the 5th and 6th centuries as shown by the basilicas dedicated to honor these compassionate and zealous Christians.

In honoring Cosmas and Damian, we also honor all those unknown heroes and heroines throughout the centuries who gave freely to heal the ills of those around them and who gave their lives to spread the Gospel of Christ.

St. Martin de Porres

November 3

Martin was born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1579. His mother, Anna, was a freed black woman from Panama. His father, John de Porres (Porras), was a Spanish nobleman and knight. He acknowledged Martin and his sister as his children and provided for Martin's education. However he left the raising of the children to their mother.

Even as a child Martin would give what little he had to the poor. When he was twelve he was apprenticed to a barber who in those days also doubled as a physician, dentist, pharmacist and surgeon! After a few years, Martin applied for admission to the 3rd Order of the Dominicans of the Most Holy Rosary Priory in Lima.

Martin's holiness soon became apparent to the superiors of his monastery and after 9 years he was fully professed. He desired to go to a foreign mission so as to earn martyrdom, but this was not God's plan. Martin's whole religious life was spent at Holy Rosary Priory.

His life was a spiritual martyrdom. Obedience, humility and exceptional love for all God's creation were the hallmark of his daily life. No charge was too great or tiresome and he treated all peoples as God's children, rich and poor alike. He extended himself beyond monastic duties to the care of the sick, orphaned and unwanted of the city. Tradition tells of his charity even for rats and mice. He excused them because of their hunger. He refused any recognition of his goodness, often referring to himself as "a poor slave."

His body worn out by extended prayer, service and penances, Martin died at the age of 49 on November 3, 1639 at Holy Rosary Priory. He could have been a bitter, angry and violent man because of his birth, but instead he chose a life of love, charity, and total dedication to help those in need. He was a friend of another great saint whom we met in August, St. Rose of Lima. Because of his care for all those considered poor and unwanted one might say he was one of the first social workers of Lima.