Glory in Christ

Today's Readings:
Zec 8:1-8
Ps 102
Lk 9:46-50

In a society as competitive as ours, it is hard sometimes to remember Christ's words that "the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." The world says try to get ahead any way you can, while our faith states that we are to humble ourselves in order to be exalted. True honor, true accomplishment is in knowing that our God has a plan for us and then following God's will rather than our own. As St. Paul states, our glory is in Christ Jesus. Today let us rejoice in the name of Christ knowing that only through him and with him can we truly find our joy and our salvation. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Father, help us to humble ourselves like little children so that through and with your Son, we may be brought to the glory of Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Lawrence Ruiz & Companions
Today's celebration honors a lay person from the Philippines, St. Lawrence Ruiz, and his fifteen companions. These sixteen martyrs were killed for their faith in 1637, in Nagasaki, Japan. Born in Manila, St. Lorenzo was the father of a family. He joined the Dominican priests, brothers and lay volunteers who were going to Japan to preach the Gospel. The group was made up of nine Dominican priests, two brothers, two single lay women, and three other lay persons. All were associated with the Dominican order and all died rather than give up their faith in Jesus. They were missionaries who had originally come from five nations-France, Italy, Japan, the Philippines and Spain. What a wonderful reminder they are that the Church reaches out to the whole world. These martyrs suffered greatly before they died, but they would not give up their Catholic religion. It is recorded that St. Lawrence Ruiz told his judges that if he had a thousand lives to give for Christ, he would. This group of heroes was proclaimed saints by Pope John Paul II on October 18, 1987.
Reflection: Let us give thanks today for God's providential care for the Church, which continues in faithfulness to him, despite trials and persecutions.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0928.asp

Living the Faith

Today's Readings:
Hg 2:1-9
Ps 43:1-4
Lk 9:18-22

Today Christ asks the question "who do you say I am?" We hear this and often answer along with Peter "the Christ." But does our life reflect our proclamation of faith? Do we live out our belief that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of God come to save us from our sins? All of our actions should be guided by our belief in Jesus; if we say he is God, then our day to day decisions should reflect that in our life. We should live out the commandment of love and allow our God to shine forth from our hearts so that all we meet may know we are followers of Christ, not by us saying it, but by our living it out this day. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to live out my faith in you so that I may continue to grow in your love and grace. We ask this through your holy name this day. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Sergius
This famous Russian saint lived in the fourteenth century. He was given the name of Bartholomew when he was baptized. He was not as bright as his two brothers, but he did learn to read and write. This made him very happy because he greatly desired to read the Bible. Bartholomew's parents were nobles. While he was still a boy, the family had to flee from enemies. They had to go to work as peasants. After his parents died, Sergius and his brother Stephen went off to live as hermits. They built a little church from trees they had cut down. The church was dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. When his brother went to Moscow to enter a monastery, Bartholomew lived alone. He wore the habit of a monk and took the name Sergius. He was a tall, husky young man. He was strong enough to stand the biting cold and fierce winds of his forest home. He was happy praying to God and loving him with all his heart. He called fire and light his companions, and even made friends with bears. Before too long, other young men came to share St. Sergius's holy life. They asked him to be their abbot and he did. He was ordained a priest and ruled his monastery very wisely. Once when some of the monks together with his own brother Stephen-who had come back-disagreed with Sergius, he went away so as to keep peace. Four years later, he was asked to return. The monks were so happy to see him that they kissed his hands, his feet and even his robe. Powerful rulers often went to ask St. Sergius for advice. He became so famous that he was asked to become bishop of the greatest Russian diocese. But he was too humble to accept. The prince of Moscow was not sure if he should try to fight the terrible pagan Tartars. St. Sergius said, "Do not fear, sir. Go forward with faith against the foe. God will be with you." And the Russians were victorious. It was not great learning that made people trust and love St. Sergius. It was his confidence in God and his desire to help everybody. St. Sergius died in 1392.
Reflection: Let us pray today for the Eastern Churches.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0925.asp

Offering of Self

Today's Readings:
Ez 9:5-9
Lk 9:1-6

Jesus sends his apostles out to minister with very little in today's Gospel reading, he tells them not to carry a walking stick, bag, food, money, or a second tunic. Jesus simply wants them to offer themselves proclaiming God's Kingdom to whom ever they meet. The same goes for us today, the greatest gift we can offer anyone is the gift of ourselves. To live out our Christian values and morals, and then offer ourselves as living witnesses of Christ to his people the Church. Today let us offer this gift to all we meet, giving testimony of the Kingdom of God through our words and actions, through being what we were created to be; children of God. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Father help us to allow your Spirit to shine through us this day that we may reflect who we truly are, followers of your divine Son; in whose name we make this prayer. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Thecla
Thecla was a beautiful young pagan noblewoman who lived in the first century. She was from the city of Iconium, in Turkey. She read many philosophy books, yet nothing satisfied her desire to know about her Creator. When St. Paul the apostle came to preach the Gospel of Jesus in Iconium, Thecla's prayer to know the one, true God was answered. From St. Paul she also learned that a young woman can become the bride of Christ if she gives up marriage. By this time, Thecla desired nothing else than to give herself entirely to God. Thecla's pagan parents tried their best to make her give up her Christian faith, but she would not. Her fiancé, Thamyris, begged her not to break their engagement. However, Thecla had made up her mind. She wanted to be Christ's bride, not his. At last, in great anger, Thamyris accused her to the judge. When she still refused to give up her love for Jesus, she was ordered to be burned to death. The beautiful young woman bravely prepared to die. However, it is said that no sooner had the fire been lit than a storm from heaven put it out. Later, she was condemned to be eaten by lions. Once again, however, God saved Thecla's life. Instead of clawing her, the fierce beasts walked gently up to her, lay down at her side, and licked her feet, like pet kittens. At last, in fear, the judge set Thecla free. She went to live in a cave where she spent the rest of her long life. She prayed and taught the people who came to visit her about the Lord Jesus.
Reflection: For Thecla, it took great courage to follow her vocation and the call of Jesus. How am I challenged in living out my own call?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0923.asp

Family of God

Today's Readings:
Ez 6:7-8, 12, 14-20
Ps 122:1-5
Lk 8:19-21

Today's response to our Psalm is "let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord;" as we also hear Christ in the Gospel stating that anyone who hears and acts on the Word of God is a part of his family. So in fact we go rejoicing not only to the Lord's house but to our new dwelling as well. Through baptism we are brought into new relationship with God and by living out our Baptismal promises we remain as sons and daughters of the Father, brothers and sisters of Christ, and sharers of the Holy Spirit. Today let us rejoice in this hope that we are now on our way to our Father's house where Christ has preceded us to prepare a place for us. God Bless
Prayer: Father, draw us ever closer to you so that we may share in the divine life promised us through the Holy Spirit and the sharing in the life of your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Thomas of Villanova
Thomas was born in Spain in 1488. From his kind parents, he learned to be very charitable with the poor. He did well in school and became a teacher of philosophy when he finished his studies. Next he joined the Augustinian order. After he became a priest, he was given many important responsibilities. Finally, he was made archbishop of the city of Valencia. His priests tried to convince him to change his old, mended habit for more dignified robes. However, St. Thomas told them his old clothes had nothing to do with his duty. He would take good care of the spiritual needs of his people. Every day he fed hundreds of poor people. When he received a large sum of money to buy furniture for his house, he gave it to a hospital, saying, "What does a poor monk like me want with furniture?" No wonder he was called the "father of the poor"! St. Thomas was very gentle with sinners at a time when most people were not. Once when he tried to encourage one man to change his sinful ways, the man angrily insulted him and stormed out of the room. "It was my fault," said the humble archbishop. "I told him a little too roughly." Never would he permit anyone to criticize someone who wasn't there. "He may have had a good reason for doing what he did," the saint would say. "I, for one, believe he did." Before he died, St. Thomas of Villanova gave to the poor everything he had. He even directed that his bed be sent to the jail for prisoners to use. St. Thomas died in 1555. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Alexander VII in 1658.
Reflection: How have I shown charity towards someone today?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0922.asp

Following the Call

Today's Readings:
Eph 4:1-7, 11-13
Ps 19:2-5
Mt 9:9-13

Christ calls each of us to be witnesses to the Gospel; though we may carry out that ministry in different ways, we are each still called by God to do this. Some do this by teaching, coaching, being a good parent, friend, or simply just being present, as long as we allow Jesus to shine through us, we are following our call. Today let us listen to where Christ wants us to be his witnesses, and to have the follow him with the same love we have first received from God. Have a great day and God Bless
Prayer: Lord, may our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Matthew the Apostle
Matthew was a tax collector in the city of Capernaum, where Jesus was living. He was a Jew but he was working for the Romans, who had conquered the Jews. For this reason, his countrymen disliked him. They would not have anything to do with these "public sinners," as tax collectors like Matthew were called. But Jesus did not feel that way about Matthew. One day, Jesus saw Matthew sitting in his office and he said, "Follow me." At once, Matthew left his money and his position to follow Jesus. He seemed so holy and king-like. Matthew gave a big supper for Jesus. He invited other friends like himself to meet Jesus and listen to him teach. Some people found fault with Jesus for sharing a meal with those whom they considered sinners. However, Jesus had a ready answer. "They who are well do not need a doctor; the sick do. I have not come to call the just, but sinners to repentance." When Jesus went back to heaven, St. Matthew stayed in Palestine. He remained there for some time to preach about the Lord. We are familiar with the Gospel of Matthew, which is the story of Jesus and what he taught. St. Matthew presents Jesus to his own people. The Lord is the Messiah whom the prophets had said would come to save us. After preaching the Gospel to many people, St. Matthew ended his life as a glorious martyr for the faith.
Reflection: "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mt. 5:48)

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0921.asp

The Call

Today's Readings:
1 Tim 6:2-12
Ps 49:6-10, 17-20
Lk 8:1-3

We hear about some of those who followed Christ on his journeys in the Gospel today. Jesus called to himself men and women, young and old, honest fishermen and questionable tax collectors; he also has called each one of us. He does not care about what we have done in our past, he only wants to know what we are doing right now to prepare for our future and for the life to come. Where has Jesus called us today? We know he has called us, the question is where and are you willing to follow him? Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, you have called us out of darkness and into your own marvelous light, fill us with your light this day that we may follow you unreservedly. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Joseph of Cupertino
Joseph was born on June 17, 1603, in a small Italian village to poor parents. He was very unhappy as a boy and a teenager. His mother considered him a nuisance and treated him harshly. Joseph soon became very slow and absent-minded. He would wander around as if he were going nowhere. But he had a temper, too, and so he was not very popular. He tried to learn the trade of shoe-making, but failed. He asked to become a Franciscan, but they would not accept him. Next, he joined the Capuchin order, but eight months later he was advised to leave. He could not seem to do anything right. He dropped piles of dishes and kept forgetting to do what he was told. His mother was not at all pleased to have the eighteen-year-old Joseph back home again. She finally got him accepted as a helper at the Franciscan monastery. He was given the Franciscan habit to wear and was assigned to care for the horses. About this time, Joseph began to change. He grew more humble and gentle. He became more careful and successful at his work. He also began to do more penance. It was decided that he could become a member of the order and could start studying to become a priest. Although he was very good, he still had a hard time with studies. But Joseph trusted in God's help and he was ordained a priest. God began to work miracles through Father Joseph. Over seventy times people saw him rise from the ground while saying Mass or praying. He would be suspended near the ceiling like a star at the top of a Christmas tree. Often he went into ecstasy and would be completely wrapped up in talking with God. He became very holy. Everything he saw made him think of God. Father Joseph became so famous for his miracles that he was kept hidden. This made him happy for the chance to be alone with his beloved Lord. Jesus never left him alone and one day came to bring him to heaven. Joseph died in 1663 at the age of sixty. He was proclaimed a saint in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII.
Reflection: The life of this saint can help us to understand that holiness and closeness to God aren't dependent on our natural talents or abilities or the judgments of others, but are, instead, a free gift from God.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0918.asp

Taking Action

Today's Readings:
1 Tim 3:14-16
Ps 111:1-6
Lk 7:31-35

Jesus points out that regardless of how God has worked, the people kept complaining about it; some would say not much has changed 2000 years later... There will always be something wrong with society, relationships, work, etc., the question is what have we done about it? We can sit on the sidelines and point those problems we see out, or we can work to change them. Christ gave himself to us on the cross so to change us, what have we done to change our world? God Bless.
Prayer: Lord in this constantly changing world, help me be an instrument of your peace, a witness to your life, and an example of your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Saint of the Day - St. Cornelius & St. Cyprian
In the middle of the third century, the Church was still being persecuted. The fierce persecution of Emperor Decius claimed the life of Pope St. Fabian. The Church was without a pope for nearly a year. A holy priest of Rome, Cornelius, was elected in 251. He accepted because he loved Christ. He would serve the Church as pope even if his ministry would cost him his life. That is why Pope Cornelius was so greatly admired throughout the world. The bishops of Africa were especially outspoken in their love and loyalty to the pope. Bishop Cyprian of Carthage sent him letters of encouragement and support. Cyprian had been a convert at the age of twenty-five. He had astonished the Christians of Carthage by pledging a vow of perpetual chastity right before his baptism. He had eventually become a priest and in 249 a bishop. Bishop Cyprian greatly encouraged Pope Cornelius by reminding him that during the present persecution in Rome not a single Christian had given up the faith. St. Cyprian's writings explain the love that Christians should have for the whole Church. This love should be for the pope as well as for the local diocese and parish. Cyprian wrote a scholarly work on the unity of the Church. This remains an important topic for all times, including our own. Pope St. Cornelius died in exile at the port of Rome in September, 253. Because he suffered so much as pope, he is considered a martyr. St. Cyprian died five years later during the persecution of Valerian. He was beheaded at Carthage on September 14, 258. Together they share a feast day to remind us of the unity that the Church should always enjoy. This unity is a mark of the presence of Jesus who is the Center.
Reflection: Let us pray for unity among people of different cultures, races, nations, and religions.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0916.asp

Our Lady of Sorrows

Today's Readings:
1 Tim 3:1-13
Ps 101:1-3, 5-6
Lk 2:33-35

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, a title honoring the Virgin Mary and her role she played in the life of Christ. In our Gospel we see Simeon telling her that a sword of sorrow will pierce her heart so that "the thoughts of many will be revealed." Mary knows what it is to suffer, she stood by her son the whole time he endured his passion. She also stands with us in our sorrows and troubles, helping to point out God in the midst of our suffering; we only have to listen. Today as we honor the suffering our holy mother endured, let us ask her to help us in any troubles or sorrows we are experiencing. God saved the world through the cross of his Son, what he is wanting to do with our suffering today? Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Mother of Sorrows, help us through any suffering we must endure this day and to unite our daily crosses with the one cross of your Son that won salvation for all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Lady had many great joys as the mother of Jesus, but she had much to suffer, too. Her great love for her divine Son caused Mary to suffer when she saw Jesus treated cruelly by his enemies. Mary is the queen of martyrs because she went through spiritual torments greater than the bodily agonies of the martyrs. Her heart was like an altar when on Calvary she offered up her beloved Jesus to save us. What a terrible suffering it was for so loving a mother to see her Son die on the cross.
There are seven times of great suffering in Mary's life. The first was when she took Baby Jesus to the temple. There the prophet Simeon told her that a sword of suffering would pierce her heart. This would be when Jesus would be put to death. Her second sorrow was when she and St. Joseph had to flee to Egypt with Jesus. Herod's soldiers were trying to kill him. The third suffering came when Mary searched three days in Jerusalem for Jesus. She finally found him in the temple. Our Lady's fourth sorrow was when Jesus was whipped and crowned with thorns. Her fifth great pain was caused by his being lifted on the cross, where he died after three hours of agony. Mary's sixth sorrow was the moment when Our Lord's sacred body was placed in her arms. And her seventh suffering came when he was buried in the tomb.
Mary did not pity herself or complain because she had to suffer so much during her life. Instead, she offered her sorrows to God for our sakes. She is our Mother. Because she loves us dearly, she was happy to suffer that we might some day share her joy with Jesus in heaven.
Reflection: How do I respond to suffering? What can the Mother of Jesus teach me about suffering?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0915.asp

Birth of the Virgin Mary

Today's Readings:
Rom 8:28-30
Ps 13:6
Mt 1:18-23

St. Paul tells us that "those he called he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified." It is not us but the Lord who does great things through us; he is the one who first called us, then justified us through Christ, and hopefully glorify us in Heaven forever with all those who have gone before us. The Virgin Mary, whose birthday we celebrate today, is a perfect example of what God can do through simple ordinary people if we but just let him. Today let us allow Christ to work miracles in our life so that we may answer the call we have first received from God. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, it is through you that we can do anything, fill us with your Spirit and help us to allow you to work with and through us this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - Birth of the Virgin Mary
We do not usually celebrate the birthdays of the saints. Instead we celebrate the day they died, because that is the day they were born into the joys of heaven. But the birthday of Mary, our Blessed Mother, is an exception. We do celebrate her birthday because she came into this world full of grace and because she was to be the Mother of Jesus. The birth of Our Lady was like a dawn. When the sky starts to turn a rosy pink early in the morning, we know the sun will soon come up. In the same way, when Mary was born, she brought great happiness to the world. Her birth meant that soon Jesus, the Sun of justice, would appear. Mary was the wonderful human being whose privilege it was to bring the Lord Jesus to all people. Even today, if we have Mary, we have Jesus. Whoever is very devoted to her is very close to the heart of Jesus.
Reflection: Today, we celebrate and proclaim with joy to the whole world the birth of the Virgin Mary. We can always turn to Mary for help. She is very close to the heart of Jesus. What special intention can I ask her today?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0908.asp

God with us

Today's Readings:
Col 1:15-20
Ps 100:1-5
Lk 5:33-39

As Christians we believe that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine, that he was in fact the Son of God. St. Paul testifies to this in our 1st reading and reassures us that it is through the Son that we are brought back into a relationship with God the Father and now filled with the Holy Spirit. God became human so we could become more like God. Through the grace won for us by Christ we are made holy. Let us then make us of this grace and our place as sons and daughters of God to show the world just how much our God is alive and present with us.
Prayer: Lord, through your love for us you sent you only Son into the world to die for us; we ask that you now send us out so that we may live for you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Rose of Viterbo
Rose was born in 1235 in Viterbo, Italy. She lived at the time when Emperor Frederick had conquered land that belonged to the Church. Rose's special mission was to make the people of her own city and nearby cities remain faithful to the Holy Father. And this she did when she was just a teenager. In fact, Rose was only eight years old when our Blessed Mother told her while she was sick that she was to wear the habit of St. Francis. Our Lady also told Rose to give good example by her words and actions. Slowly the girl gained her health. She began to think more and more about how much Jesus suffered for us and how much sinners hurt him. She prayed and made sacrifices to show Jesus how much she loved him. Later on, this daring girl began to preach in the streets of the city. She told people to stand up to the emperor who had taken land from the Church. So many people listened to the saint that Rose's father became frightened. He told her he would beat her if she did not stop preaching. She was only about thirteen, but she answered gently, "If Jesus could be beaten for me, I can be beaten for him. I do what Jesus has told me to do, and I must not disobey him." Two years more Rose preached with such success that the enemies of the pope wanted her killed. In the end, the ruler sent Rose and her parents out of the city. But she said that the emperor was going to die soon and that is just what happened. Back in Viterbo, the saint was not permitted to become a nun, so she returned to her own home. There she died in 1252, when she was only seventeen. Her body is still preserved and venerated in Viterbo.
Reflection: "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0904.asp

Bring it to the Lord

Today's Readings:
Col 1:1-8
Ps 52:10-11
Lk 4:38-44

Many who were sick were brought to Jesus in the Gospel today and he healed them. The Lord could very well heal them without them coming to him, but he desired that they bring their problem to him. Have we brought our sicknesses and troubles to the Lord? The sickness could be physical, emotional, or even spiritual; regardless we must bring them before Christ and ask for his help for he more than generous. Today let us bring our troubles, our faults, our sinfulness, our sickness to God and ask that he heal us. Have a great day and God Bless
Prayer: Lord you alone can heal us, we ask that you fill us with your mercy and love this day so that we may be healed of anything that may keep us from you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - Blessed John Du Lau & the September Martyrs
Blessed John was the archbishop of Arles, France. He and his companions are celebrated today because they died heroic martyrs' deaths during the French Revolution. The new constitution of 1790 was against the Church. The people were being forced to sign their agreement with an oath. If they did not, they were punished. By 1792, the punishment was more than a prison term. Now it meant death. Many brave bishops, priests, religious and lay people would not sign the oath supporting the French constitution. They knew they would be betraying God and his Church. Pope Pius VI told them that they were right. It was a sad time for the people of France. On September 2, 1792, a crowd of several hundred people rioted and broke into a former monastery. It was now a prison for priests and religious. The mob approached several priests and told them to sign the oath. Each priest definitely refused. Each was slain on the spot. Among the martyrs was Blessed Alexander Lenfant, a Jesuit. Just a few minutes before he died, he had been hearing the confession of a fellow priest. Both were killed moments later. The rioters then went to the Carmelite church which was also being used as a prison. Blessed John, archbishop of Arles, and other bishops and priests were being held there. All refused to take the oath and all were murdered. On September 3, the same mob went to the Lazarist seminary. It was also a temporary prison, with ninety priests and religious. Only four escaped death. By the time the terrible Revolution had ended, 1,500 Catholics had been killed. Several were bishops, priests and religious. The martyrs we celebrate today number 191. They were proclaimed "blessed" in 1926 by Pope Pius XI.
Reflection: It would be appropriate today to pray for all those who suffer from and perpetrate senseless acts of violence

Saint informtaion comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0902.asp

Be Ready

Today's Readings:
1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
Lk 4:31-37

St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is reminding them that at all times they should be ready for the Lord's return. As Christians we are not concerned about when he will return, rather we concern ourselves with being ready whenever that time may be. We do this by living out the Gospel in our daily life; loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and loving our neighbor as yourself. If we do this, the when does not matter since we will be ready and waiting when Christ does indeed come again. Today let us do just that and be watchful and ready so that we may greet Christ with our gifts of faith, hope, and love. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, you tells that only the Father knows the time and hour for your return, help us to live this day in your presence so that we may be ready and waiting when you come to take us to our everlasting home in Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Giles
Giles was born in Athens, Greece, in early times. When his parents died, he used the large fortune they left him to help the poor. For this reason and especially because he worked many miracles, Giles found himself a greatly admired young man. He did not want this praise and fame at all. So, to be able to serve God in a hidden life, he left Greece and sailed to France. There he went to live alone in a dark forest. He made his home in a rough cave behind a thick thorn bush. Giles lived there contented, safe from the danger of becoming conceited at hearing himself praised. But one day, a certain king and his men went hunting the forest. They chased the deer that often came to Giles' cave. The deer lost them by going into Giles' cave, which was hidden behind the large thorn bush. One of the men shot an arrow into the thorn bush, hoping to hit the deer. When they forced their way in, they discovered Giles sitting wounded by the arrow. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" demanded the king. St. Giles told them the story of his life. When they heard it, they asked his forgiveness. The king sent his doctors to take care of the saint's wound. Although Giles begged to be left alone, the king felt such respect for him that he came often to see him. Giles never would accept the king's gifts. Finally, however, he agreed to let the king build a large monastery there. Giles became its first abbot. This monastery became so famous that a whole town grew up there. When the saint died, his grave at the monastery became a great shrine where many people came on pilgrimage.
Reflection: "God does not measure our generosity by how much we give, but by how much we have left."-adapted from a saying of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0901.asp