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AUGUSTINIAN BLESSED, SAINTS & MARTYRS

Augustinian Blessed, Saints & Martyrs

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Page 1: Augustinian Blessed, Saints & Martyrs

AUGUSTINIAN BLESSED, SAINTS & MARTYRS

Page 2: Augustinian Blessed, Saints & Martyrs

10 AUGUSTINIAN SAINTS

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ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) developed the concept of the Catholic Church as a spiritual City of God.

In the Catholic Church he is a pre-eminent Doctor of the Church, and the patron of the Augustinian religious order. His feast is celebrated on 28 August, the day of his death. He is the patron saint of brewers, printers and theologian. 

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ST. MONICA St. Monica was the mother of St.

Augustine. She was born at Tagaste, North Africa, in 333. She died at Ostia, near Rome, in 387.

St. Monica was buried at Ostia, and at first seems to have been almost forgotten, though her body was removed during the sixth century to a hidden crypt in the church of St. Aureus..

About the thirteenth century, however, the cult of St. Monica began to spread and a feast in her honour was kept on 4 May. In 1430 Martin V ordered the relics to be brought to Rome. Many miracles occurred on the way, and the cultus of St. Monica was definitely established. 

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ST. RITA OF CASCIA St. Rita was born at Rocca Porena in the

Diocese of Spoleto in 1386 and died at the Augustinian convent of Cascia in 1456.

Rita's great desire was to become a nun, but, in obedience to the will of her parents, at the age of twelve, married a man extremely cruel and ill-tempered. For eighteen years she was a model wife and mother.

On account of the many miracles reported to have been wrought at her intercession she received in Spain the title of La Santa de los Impossibiles. Her feast is celebrated on May 22. 

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ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO He is depicted in the black habit of

the Hermits of St. Augustine — a star above him or on his breast, a lily, or a crucifix garlanded with lilies, in his hand. Sometimes, instead of the lily, he holds a vial filled with money or bread.

He possessed an angelic meekness, a guileless simplicity, and a tender love of virginity, which he never stained, guarding it by prayer and extraordinary mortifications.

He was canonized by Eugene IV in 1446; his feast is celebrated on 10 September. 

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ST. EZEKIEL MORENO Ezekiel was an Augustinian Recollect known for his

simple and open spirit. He was deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He strongly defended the rights of the Church.

His family was poor in material goods but committed in faith. He was ordained a priest in Manila, Philippines in 1871. During the next 15 years, he worked at bringing the Gospel of Jesus to the people of the Philippines.

Ezekiel in 1894 was named the first Vicar Apostolic of Casanare, and ordained bishop of Pasto. During this time there was war in Colombia. Ezekiel showed himself a voice of strength for his people.

In 1906 a diagnosis of cancer caused him to reluctantly return to Spain for treatment. There he died August 19, 1906. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.

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ST. CLARE OF THE CROSS OF MONTEFALCO

Clare was an Augustinian nun noted for her devotion to the Passion of Christ. For that reason, she is sometimes called Clare of the Cross.

She was given the gift of knowledge, which she used to defend the Christian faith.

Because of her great love for the Cross of Jesus, she used to say that she bore that Cross in her heart. After her death, a post-mortem examination revealed that her heart did indeed contain a representation of the Cross and other symbols of Christ's suffering and death.

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ST. JOHN SAHAGUN John was a peacemaker and worker for justice

in society. He defended the rights of workers. A sincere and humble man, he was a noted preacher, whose devotion to the Eucharist marked all aspects of his life.

The people saw him as wise and prudent. He was able to reconcile feuding families. He championed the rights of workers. He was a man of prayer, and was particularly devoted to the Eucharist.

John died in Salamanca June 11, 1479. His biographer, Friar John of Seville, believed that he was poisoned by somebody who did not like the honesty of his preaching. He was beatified in 1601 and canonized in 1690. His remains are preserved at the Cathedral of Salamanca.

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ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, O.S.A. Thomas of Villanova was known for his promotion of studies

and missions in the Order of Saint Augustine, and for his love and care for the poor.

Recognizing his leadership ability, his fellow Augustinians chose him to serve as Prior (local superior) and later as Provincial (regional superior). In this position, Thomas encouraged a more faithful adherence to the principles of Augustinian life.

When he became Archbishop of Valencia in 1545, there he found an archdiocese in spiritual chaos. He began his episcopacy by visiting every parish in the Archdiocese to discover what were the needs of the people. He then set up programs in which funds provided by the wealthy would help to provide for the poor.

In order to have a well-formed clergy, Thomas started Presentation Seminary in 1550. He established schools where the young would have access to a quality education. He turned his own home into a sort of soup kitchen and shelter, giving to the poor and the homeless food to eat and a place to sleep. For that reason he was known as Beggar Bishop and Father of the Poor.

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ST. MAGDALENE OF NAGASAKI, O.S.A. Magdalene of Nagasaki, an Augustinian Tertiary in Japan, in

spite of great danger and difficulty, remained faithful to Jesus Christ until her martyrdom.

She served as a catechist and interpreter for the early Augustinian missionaries.

Being a Christian in Japan became more and more difficult, as the persecution became stronger. Magdalene fled to the hills, where she worked at bringing the Word of God to those who did not know Jesus, and strengthing the faith of those who did.

Moved by her strong Christian conviction, Magdalene voluntarily declared herself a follower of Jesus. She was threatened, ridiculed and tortured, but her Christian witness was strong.

After 13 days of torture, wearing her Augustinian habit, Magdalene was suspended upside down in a pit of garbage. Then her body was burned and her ashes scattered. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1987.

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ST. ALONSO DE OROZCO, O.S.A. Alfonso was a gifted preacher. He preached to Kings and simple

people alike. For Alfonso preaching was a necessity inspired by the love of Jesus and done for the love of Jesus.

Alfonso was also a prolific writer. He had a dream in which the Mother of Jesus told him, "Write." So he began to write. He produced numerous books on Christian spirituality. At age 90, he was still writing.

Respect and love for the human person was a strong characteristic. Alfonso wished to remedy the needs and overcome the difficulties of everyone. The fact that he was not able to do this caused him great sorrow.

Alfonso's spiritual life was not without trials. For many years he battled scrupulosity and felt tormented by Satan. He overcame these difficulties with the strength that he found in prayer. He continued to seek God in prayer even when prayer brought him no pleasure.

At the age of 91, Alfonso became quite ill. It is said that at this time he became very aware of the presence of Jesus, Mary and St. Augustine helping him prepare for death. Alfonso entered eternal life September 19, 1591. He was declared "Blessed" in 1882.

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10 AUGUSTINIAN BLESSED

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BLESSED VERONICA OF BINASCO Veronica of Binasco was known as a great contemplative

who also gave loving care to sick sisters in her community and ministered to the people of Milan. She had the gifts of prophecy and discernment.

Although she never learned to read and write, she was known and respected by the secular and ecclesiastical leaders of her day.

Her spiritual life was intense. She was particularly devoted to the Eucharist and to the Suffering and Death of Jesus. She experienced physical mistreatment from the devil, but found strength in prayer, remaining at peace and overcoming difficulties through the power of Christ. She cheerfully helped others when help was needed. In spite of her growing reputation for holiness and wisdom, Veronica remained humble.

Veronica died January 13, 1497. So numerous were her admirers who came to pay their respects, her burial was delayed for nearly a week. It is said that many sick persons who touched her body were restored to health. Her remains are preserved at the parish church in Binasco.

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BLESSED JOSEPHINE MARY OF SAINT AGNES

Josephine Mary of Benaganim was an Augustinian Sister noted for her deep spirit of prayer and for her service to her community.

Josephine entered the local Augustinian convent, where she took the religious name Sister Josephine Mary of Saint Agnes. The other sisters usually called her Mother Agnes.

Because she had little formal educaton, Josephine's ministry was initially limited to providing domestic service for her community. She developed a deep life of contemplative prayer, where she was gifted with theological understanding and the ability to counsel others. This allowed her to expand the scope of her ministry.

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BLESSED SIMON FIDATI OF CASCIA Blessed Simon Fidati of Cascia, an

Augustinian Friar who advocated Gospel simplicity and community based on Christian love, was known for his powerful preaching and desire to form Christ in everyone.

He was especially devoted to the humanity of Jesus, which he saw as a key to the life of a Christian. This devotion was rooted in the context of the Augustinian traditions of “theology of the heart” and the centrality of God's love.

In spite of some difficulties, Simon remained faithful to his vocation. He valued Christian charity, obedience to the Order and a sense of community of fraternal love as the most important underlying values for living religious community life.

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BLESSED LUCY BUFALARI OF AMELIA

Lucy Bufalari of Amelia belonged to an Augustinian Third Order community.

Little is known of her life. She was Superior of her Third Order Augustinian community in Amelia.

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BLESSED MAGDALENE ALBRICI Magdalene was noted for her love for all and her

purity of life. She was a great promoter of the Augustinian way of life.

When she was named Superior, her attitude was one of service to her sisters, rather than one of wielding power. By word and by example, she urged her sisters to seek holiness above all. She revived simplicity and austerity in the religious communities of her area. She succeeded because she would never ask others to do anything that she did not do herself.

Magdalene was often sought out for spiritual counsel, and had a great influence on the religious spirit of her time. Her selfless devotion to and care for the sick and needy was an inspiration to all. In her last years, she herself suffered from a serious illness.

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BLESSED HELEN OF UDINE Helen Valentini, an Augustinian Tertiary, was

known for her spirit of penance, obedience, humility, devotion to the Passion of Christ and to the Eucharist, and for her love of neighbor.

She dedicated herself completely to God. She devoted long hours to prayer and meditation on the Gospels. She provided personal service and material contributions to works of mercy. Helen developed a reputation as a miracle worker.

At times she suffered physical torment and severe depression. Prayer and confidence in the will of God saw her through these difficult times.

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BLESSED STEPHEN BELLESINI Luigi Giuseppe Bellesini was born November

25, 1774, in Trent, Italy. He entered the Augustinian Order, taking the religious name Stephen. He professed vows as an Augustinian in 1794.

He went to live with his brother and became a teacher, hoping to be a Christian influence on the youth of his day. Stephen founded in his own home a free school for the poor children of the city, who otherwise would not have access to education. He gave food and clothing to the poorest of his students, and offered encouragement and friendship to all of them.

Even the materialistic local authorities came to respect his work. Eventually he was named Inspector of Schools in Trent.

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BLESSED CHRISTINE OF SPOLETO Blessed Christine of Spoleto, after several years of

living contrary to God's ways, gave herself to Jesus, became an Augustinian Tertiary and gained a reputation as a holy woman and miracle-worker.

Agostina then lived as the mistress of a soldier. She gave birth to an out-of-wedlock son. This child died at an early age. She married again. This husband was murdered by a jealous rival.

After this, Agostina decided to reform her life. She turned to Christ and became an Augustinian Tertiary. She decided to change her name to Christina, reflecting the primary place that Christ now occupied in her life.

She lived in several Augustinian convents, finally settling in Spoleto, devoting herself to prayer, penance and works of mercy. She developed a reputation for great holiness and as a worker of miracles.

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BLESSED MARIA TERESE FASCE Maria Teresa Fascie was an Augustinian Nun with high ideals who

inspired a renewal of Augustinian life in her community.

Under the guidance of Father Mariano Ferriello, O.S.A., Marietta came to know and love the spirituality of Saint Augustine. The canonization of Augustinian Nun Saint Rita of Cascia in 1900 made a strong impression on the young woman.

One of Maria Teresa'a goals was to build a new orphanage for girls and a larger church to receive the many pilgrims going to the place where Saint Rita had lived. The first thing she did was start a newsletter called From the Bees to the Roses, which is still published today. This newsletter helped publicize the need for funds to finance the new construction.

After the opening of the orphanage, Maria Teresa delighted in caring for the girls there. She not only instructed them, but also took time to play with them, an activity which she loved. She called the orphan girls her "bees".

Plagued with health problems, Maria Teresa accepted her aches and pains, which she called "her treasure". She suffered from painful breast cancer, for which she twice underwent surgery. She had asthma, diabetes, heart problems and poor circulation. She was quite heavy and had great difficulty walking.

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BLESSED CHERUBIN TESTA OF AVIGLIANA

Cherubim Testa, who died at the age of 28, was an example of obedience, purity of life and devotion to the Passion of Christ.

When he was 20 years old, he joined the Augustinian Order. He was ordained a Priest in early 1479.

Eight months later, on December 17, 1479, he died. His remains are preserved at the Church of Saints John and Peter in Avigliana.

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AUGUSTINIAN MARTYRS

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AUGUSTINIAN OF MARTYRS OF JAPAN:

FERDINAND OF SAINT JOSEPH, ANDREW YOSHIDA, PETER ZUNIGA, 

JOHN SHOZABURO, MICHAEL KIUCHI TAYEMON, PETER KUHIEYE,

THOMAS TERAI KAHIOYE, MANCIO SEISAYEMON, LAWRENCE HACHIZO, 

BARTHOLOMEW GUITIERREZ, VINCENT OF SAINT ANTHONY, FRANCIS OF JESUS,

MARTIN OF SAINT NICHOLAS LUMBRERAS AND MELCHIOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE SÁNCHEZ,

THOMAS “KINTSUBA” JIHYOE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

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Augustinians were first sent in 1602 to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Japan. Many of the Japanese people did become followers of Christ. And many of these Christians were attracted to the Augustinian way of life.

However, around 1617 persecutions of Christians broke out. There were many martyrs, whose deaths gave witness to their faith in Jesus.

Among them were several associated with the Order of Saint Augustine. They were from four countries: Japan, Spain, Portugal and Mexico. Thus, their deaths also gave witness to the universality of the Order and of the Church, where the power of Christ and fraternal bonds were stronger than ties to a particular nation or culture.

Augustinian Fr. Ferdinand of Saint Joseph, along with Andrew Yoshida, a catechist who worked with him, were beheaded in 1617. Fr. Peter Zúniga was burned to death in 1622. Br. John Shozaburo, Oblates Michael Kiuchi Tayemon, Peter Kuhieye, Thomas Terai Kahioye, and Tertiaries Mancio Scisayemon and Lawrence Hachizo were beheaded in 1630. Fr. Bartholomew Gutierrez, Fr. Vincent of Saint Anthony Simoens, Fr. Francis of Jesus Terrero, Fr. Martin of St. Nicholas Lumbreras and Fr. Melchior of St. Augustine Sánchez were burned to death in 1632. Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine in 1637 was hung by his feet with his head inserted into a pit of rotting garbage until he died.

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AUGUSTINIAN MARTYRS OF SPAIN The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a time of

great difficulty for the Church in general, and for priests and friars in particular. More than 7000 priests, friars and nuns were martyred. Their crime: being a priest or religious. In addition, more than 3500 lay persons were martyred in witness to their Christian faith. The Ordinary Historical Meeting of the Congregation of Saints approved their designation as martyrs March 11, 2005. Then, on December 19, 2006, the Plenary Meeting of Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation gave additional approval of their beatification, and sent its recommendation to Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope on June 1, 2007 confirmed their martyrdom. These Augustinian martyrs, along with some 400 others, including lay Catholics, members of other religious institutes, priests and bishops, who gave their lives in witness to Christ, were beatified October 29, 2007. Josef Sciberras, O.S.A., the Augustinian Postulator of Causes, oversees the progress of the cause for canonization.

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THANK YOU!!!Presented by

GROUP 2:Erel Aspero Krizelle Caso

Marcel Luigi Panes Klaudine Nuneza

Genessa Buenafe Iris Mecenas Alena Joy Clementir Fenella Nessa

SalinasJasmine Marie Jegonia