Saints of the Day & More

Anthony was born at Lisbon in Portugal in 1195. He was baptised "Fernando" in the Cathedral Church of old Lisbon. On the font is written: "Here the waters of holy baptism cleansed Anthony from all stain of original sin. The world rejoices in his light, Padua in his body, heaven in his soul." His father, was a revenue officer and knight at the court of Alfonso II, king of Portugal. When Fernando was 15 years old, he joined the community of Canons Regular of St Augustine in Lisbon. However, because of the constant visits of his family, he asked to be moved to another house of the Order. At seventeen he was transferred, more than 175km away, to the Augustinian Monastery of Santa Cruz at Coimbra which was renowned for its biblical scholarship. Here he spent nine years in intense study. There is every indication that during this time he learned the Sacred Scriptures off by heart. However, it is possible that he was not ordained during this period as it was a custom of th...

Emerentiana was around Saint Agnes' time, because her mother was the nurse and nanny of St. Agnes. Emerentiana was a catechumen still learning about Christianity before being officially baptized. Catholics believe martyrs are "baptized by blood," and otherwise go to heaven.. A few days prior to the death of St. Agnes she was found weeping on her tomb and praying by her tomb; upset upon the death of her best friend and foster sister, she claimed that she was a Christian as well and belittled the pagans who had killed Agnes, and was stoned to death by the crowd. PRAYER Lord may we love and venerate your beloved daughter Saint Emerentiana, and may all who are in formation to recieve a sacrament, may their prayers unite with hers so that they may worship you forever. AMEN .