Christian Today

Our Lord Jesus Christ continues to call individuals to be his disciples, members of the “holy nation” we call his Church. From the day of Pentecost, this saving relationship with Christhas normally been established through the solemn and joyous event of baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit. A sacred rite, rich with deep significance - baptism, in water and in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - ultimately proclaims that the newly baptized is united to Christ and his people, participates in his death and resurrection, personally receives the gift of the Spirit, and comes to know the generous love of the Father expressed in the forgiveness of sin. Through these new relationships, the believer now lives as a member of the Body of Christ (1Cor 12:27), God’s faithful people - a life which is manifested especially in the celebration of Holy Eucharist. He or she is now a member of the Church which is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.” ...

St. Francis Xavier Bianchi, Roman Catholic Barnabite Priest and miricale worker. Feastday January 31

ENGLISH SPEAKING SAINTS January 31 St. Aidan, 626 A.D. Monastic founder, bishop, and miracle worker known for his kindness to animals. Known as Edan, Modoc, and Maedoc in some records, Aidan was born in Connaught, Ireland. Tradition states that his birth was heralded by signs and omens, and he showed evidence of piety as a small child. Educated at Leinster, Aidan went to St. David monastery in Wales. He remained there for several years, studying Scriptures, and his presence saved St. David from disaster. Saxon war parties attacked the monastery during Aidan's stay, and he supposedly repelled them miraculously. In time, Aidan returned to Ireland, founding a monastery in Ferns, in Wexford. He became the bishop of the region as well. His miracles brought many to the Church. Aidan is represented in religious art with a stag. He is reported to have made a beautiful stag invisible to save it from hounds. St. Adamnan of Coldingham, 680 A.D. Confessor and prophet who was born in Ireland...

SAINT OF THE DAY JAN. 31 ST. JOHN BOSCO, PRIEST, FOUNDER OF THE SALESIANS, FATHER AND TEACHER OF THE YOUNG ST. MARCELLA, ROMAN WOMAN, DISCIPLE OF ST. JEROM

SAINT OF THE DAY JAN. 30 ST. MARTINA, MARTYR ST. HYACINTHA MARESCOTTI, ROMAN VIRGIN

Saints Jan. 29 Sts. Sarbelius & Barbea, Roman Catholic Martyrs. Brother and sister, who were put to death at Edessa during the persecutions of Emperor Trajan. Sarbelius, also called Sharbel, was a high priest at Edessa, in Mesopotamia. They were arrested for converting to the faith, and were tortured with red-hot irons prior to execution. Feastday January 29 Bl. Boleslava Lament, Roman Catholic Virgin, in the midst of political upheaval founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family to promote Christian unity, help the poor and train the girls to Christian life.