SAINTS OCTOBER 2

SAINTS OCTOBER 2 St. Thomas of Hereford, 1282 A.D. Bishop of Hereford, also called Thomas Cantilupe. Born at Buckinghamshire, England, circa 1218, he studied at Oxford, Paris, and Orleans. Returning to England, he became chancellor of Oxford University in 1261, using his influence to aid the barons in their struggle against King Henry III (r. 12161272). In 1265, after the defeat of Henry's forces at the battle of Lewes, Thomas was named chancellor of England, although he was soon compelled to retire to Paris after the barons lost their grip on power. Returning to Oxford, he served once more as chancellor of the university in 1273. Two years later he was appointed bishop of Hereford, acquiring a wide reputation for sanctity and charity and serving as one of the most capable counselors of King Edward I (r. 12721307). He also was a stern opponent of simony and all forms of secular encroachment upon his Episcopal rights. Bl. Louis Shakichi, Roman Catholic Martyr of Japan layman who released Blessed Louis Flores from prison. Louis was burned alive in Nagasaki, and his wife and children were beheaded. Feastday Oct 2 Bl. Francis Chakichi-Four-year-old Roman Catholic Martyr of Japan. He was beheaded in Nagasaki, Japan, with his mother, Blessed Lucy, and his brother Blessed Andrew. His father, Blessed Louis, was burned at the stake. Feastday Oct 2 Bl. Lucy Chakichi, Roman Catholic Martyr of Japan, the wife of Blessed Louis Chakichi. She was beheaded with her sons, Andrew and Francis, at Nagasaki, Japan. Feastday Oct 2 St. Leger, was a martyred Burgundian Bishop of Autun, France. Guardian Angels