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FEAST OF THE DAY

St. Denis is traditionally considered the first bishop of Paris, France
part of his popularity is due to legends that have developed
concerning his life and death. There is little known about the life of
St. Denis. He was sent from Rome to Paris near the middle of the
third century and was martyred with many others during the
persecution of Valerius around the year 258.

One of the legends that has developed around Denis is that after he
was martyred on the hill of Montmartre, the mountain of martyrs, he
picked up his head and carried it to a village northeast of the city
where he finally laid down and died. St. Genevieve built the basilica
of St. Denis, over the spot where Denis laid down, at the beginning
of the sixth century. St. Denis is patron of Paris and France.

St. John Leonardi was born in the middle of the sixteenth century.
After some discernment, he decided to follow a call to the priesthood.
After his ordination, he made a special effort to work for the people in
hospitals and prisons. His work began to attract followers, and the
roots for the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God were planted.

At the time when John was practicing his ministry in prisons and
hospitals, the effects of the Reformation and the Council of Trent
were beginning to be felt. John's work gained him some enemies,
and he spent much of his life in exile from his hometown. Under
John's direction, the congregation began publishing a compendium
of Christian doctrine that remained in use through the nineteenth
century.

St. John's congregation was approved by Pope Clement in 1595.
John lived for about ten years after the congregation was approved.
He died of a plague he contracted while tending those stricken with
the same disease.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Tell the children about God and His Saints. During the holy time of
Lent, speak to them of their suffering Savior. During Paschal time, of
His glorious Resurrection. During Christmas time, of His Birth. You
will see what a profound impression it will make on the minds of your
children. -St. John Vianney

TODAY IN HISTORY

1776 First mission chapel on the northern California coast dedicated
at what became the city of San Francisco

TODAY'S TIDBIT

The Clerks Regular of the Mother of God were founded in 1574 to
further education in Christian doctrine, and was associated with a
group of priests which became the Society for the Propagation of the
Faith. The Clerks Regular of the Mother of God currently is made up
of over sixty members and still works to carry out its original mission.

INTENTION FOR THE DAY

Please pray for all the souls in purgatory.