Christusway Saints

Early life and call to priesthood Born:   May 8, 1786, in Dardilly, France , to a poor farming family. French Revolution:  Grew up during the French Revolution, a time of persecution for the Catholic Church, impacting his early education. Priesthood Calling:  Despite initial struggles with studies and the Bishop's doubts about his abilities, Vianney felt a strong call to the priesthood, driven by his deep faith and love for God. Ordination:  After overcoming numerous difficulties, he was ordained a priest in 1815.   Ministry in Ars Appointment:  In 1818, he was appointed pastor of the small and spiritually lax town of Ars, France. Transformation:  Through his faith, dedication, and long hours in the confessional (sometimes up to 18 hours a day), he brought about a spiritual renewal that transformed Ars into a model Christian community. Confessor:  His reputation as a confessor grew, attracting pilgrims from across France and beyond, seeking his sp...

  1. Early life and education Born Aurelius Augustinus in Thagaste (present-day Souk Ahras, Algeria) in 354 AD. His mother, Monica, was a devout Christian, while his father, Patricius, was a pagan who converted shortly before his death. He received an excellent education, particularly in rhetoric, first in Tagaste, then in Madauros, and finally in Carthage. Despite his mother's faith, Augustine initially drifted away from Christianity and embraced a hedonistic lifestyle, taking a mistress and fathering a son named Adeodatus.   2. Intellectual wanderings and Manichaeism Augustine's initial search for truth led him to philosophy, specifically through reading Cicero's  Hortensius , which inspired him to pursue wisdom. He then became attracted to Manichaeism, a dualistic religion that proposed a cosmic struggle between good (light/spirit) and evil (darkness/matter). Manichaeism offered what seemed like a solution to the problem of evil and suffering, and its emphasis on escap...

  Deacon and Evangelist:  Stephen was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the needs of the growing Christian community, particularly the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) widows who felt neglected in the daily distribution of food. He was known for his eloquent preaching and the miracles and signs he performed among the people. Controversy and Trial:  Stephen's preaching, which included a critical stance on the Jerusalem Temple and adherence to a Christ-centered belief system, angered members of various synagogues. He was accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. Bold Defense:  In his defense, Stephen delivered a powerful speech, the longest recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, reviewing the history of salvation and accusing the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting the prophets who foretold Jesus' coming. He concluded by stating he saw the heavens opened and the Son of Man (Jesus) stand...

  St. Therese was born in Alencon, France  January 2, 1873. Two days later she got her baptism. Her parents were Marie-Azelie Guerin Martin and Louis Martin. When Theresa was 4 years old her mother died. She became a nun   1888 , at the age of 15.   She  made her religious vows on September 8, 1890 . Thérèse of Lisieux  lived as a cloistered Carmelite nun in France for the last nine years of her life, from the age of 15 until her death at 24. She went with two of her older sisters.  The feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux is celebrated on  October 1st.  St. Therese of Lisieux quotes: If every little flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness"     This quote highlights the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing one's own unique role in God's plan.   "I understood that love comprises all vocations, that love is everything"   Love is the core of all vocations and actions. "To pick up a pin for l...

  St. Teresa of Avila was born on March 28, 1515. She is known for her role in restoring Carmelite order. Her spirituality is when she be in union with God through prayer, guided by virtues humility. Her first encounter with Jesus is associated by intense spiritual experiences in visions and dreams sent by Jesus/God.   Theresa's family had a complex history with the Spanish Inquisition, as her paternal grandfather was a Jewish convert forced to prove his Catholic faith, impacting the family's standing and security. Teresa's childhood was lively and marked by a love for reading and a vivacious personality, enjoying both serious and romantic books. The death of her mother when Teresa was 14 led to a deeper devotion to the Virgin Mary. She was sent to an Augustinian convent for education, where she later felt drawn to a religious life, despite her father's objections.   Religious life and mystical experiences In 1534, at age 20, Teresa entered the Carmelite Convent of t...

 St. Anthony of Padua was born in  Lisbon,  Portugal,  August 15, 1195. St. Anthony became a saint  t hrough a rapid process of canonization due to the widespread belief in his holiness and the numerous miracles attributed to him, both during his life and after his death. He e ncountered Jesus when a mystical experience where he saw and held Jesus for the first time.  St. Anthony of Padua's had deep love for God and preached the gospel and served the poor. Quotes: " Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak," and "The breadth of charity widens the narrow heart of the sinners. He sought permission to leave the Augustinians and join the fledgling Franciscan Order, adopting the name Anthony (in honor of St. Anthony the Great) upon his admission.   Missionary and preaching ministry Anthony set out for Morocco with a fellow friar, hoping to preach the Gospel to Muslims and achieve martyrdom. However, he fell seriously ill ...