"A joy to those who were sad, a consolation to those who were suffering, peace to those who were at odds with one another, refreshment to those who were weary from their daily toil, support for those who were poor and a healing balm for those who found themselves in prison." This is the way a fellow religious described the ministry of St. Nicholas of Tolentino. Thanks to Pope Leo XIII who gave him the title in 1884, we remember him today, though, principally as the special patron saint of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Who was this holy pioneer in the Order of Saint Augustine so often confused w...
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"Peacemaker," "Saint of the Impossible," the "Saint Who Asks Too Much" are just a few of the many adjectives used to describe one of the most popular saints of our times. With the canonization of Saint Rita in 1900, interest in and devotion to the "Precious Pearl of Umbria" spread rapidly not only in her native Italy, but throughout many nations. As a woman who had experienced the various states of life as wife and widow, mother and nun, St. Rita has much to say to women of every time and place. As a victim of violence and a witness to forgiveness, she offers powerful testimony to men and wome...
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