When we celebrate the feast days of the saints, we usually celebrate the date on which 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 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, ...

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 aware of how important it is to 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 join the third order of Saint Frances. Our Lady also told Rose ...

The Lorica (loh-RYE-kah) is a long prayer believed to be written by Saint Patrick. It is also called “The Breastplate of Saint Patrick.” A lorica or breastplate is piece of armor, like a mail coat, worn by soldiers. The prayer is called a “Lorica” because it is asking for God’s protection.Saint Patrick came to bring the good news of Jesus to people that did not know him. Many people were converted and became Christians. Others were not happy that Saint Patrick ...