December is a busy month in the Catholic Church. As we journey towards Christmas, we have also celebrated the feast days of many wonderful saints. Their lives encourage us to reflect on how we can follow Christ more closely in our own lives.
Saint Francis Xavier – December 3rd
Francis Xavier, born in 1506 in Northern Spain, studied philosophy and theology at the University of Paris and later became a Jesuit priest. He was one of the six loyal companions of St Ignatius Loyola.
St Francis was selected to replace a Jesuit who fell ill after the King of Portugal assigned him to minister and spread the Gospel to people in the Portuguese colonies of India. He preached across India, Japan and Southeast Asia.
He baptised many people, particular those who were poor, sick or considered as outcasts, and believed deeply in meeting people where they were.
Read more in: Secondary Unit 21 – Part 8 – Pages 6 to 8, Unit 52 – Part 4 – Pages 6 to 9
Saint Nicholas – December 6th
Born into a wealthy Christian family, Nicholas chose a life of service and humility. Orphaned at a young age, Nicholas used his inheritance to help the poor and needy. A commonly shared tale tells us that he delivered currency to a struggling father, wanting his three daughters to marry, to avoid a life of hardship. He would do this at night, throwing it through the window and immediately flee to avoid being identified. This inspired the modern figure, Santa Claus.
Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra following the passing of the previous bishop. He was a strong defender of Christian truth and stood firmly against teachings that denied the divinity of Christ, particularly through the Council of Nicaea.
Read more in: Primary Unit 32 – Part 6 – Page 6, Unit 56 – Part 5 – Page 7
Saint Ambrose – December 7th
Ambrose was born around 340 AD into a Roman Christian family. It is believed that when he was young, a swarm of bees landed on Ambrose’s face, leaving drops of honey. This created the belief that he would be an eloquent and well-spoken man.
After the death of his father, Ambrose studied law, literature and rhetoric in Rome. He entered public service, became a judicial councillor, and then governor of the province of Liguria and Emilia. In 374 after the death of the bishop of Milan, Ambrose was favoured to be appointed. He refused and fled to a colleague’s home in an attempt to hide, as he felt underprepared and unworthy. Shortly after, he was given up and accepted the office of bishop.
Ambrose wrote many books that are regarded as some of the most important works written for the Church, and his guidance played a key role in the conversion of Saint Augustine.
Read more in: Secondary Unit 14 – Part 6 – Page 6
Our Lady of Guadalupe – December 12th
In 1531, the Blessed Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, outside of Mexico City. She requested a shrine to be built in her honour, and to share her love and compassion to all who believe. Juan Diego visited the Archbishop who dismissed him in disbelief, and asked for proof.
On her fourth visit to Juan Diego, Our Lady had instructed him to gather flowers from the top of the hill, which seemed impossible as it was winter. Yet Juan Diego found fresh roses there. These were arranged in his tilma, and when he presented to the Archbishop, the roses fell to the ground and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared on the cloth, leading the bishop to believe and allowed the shrine to be built in her honour.
Saint John of the Cross – December 14th
Born Juan de Yepes y Álcaraz, his spiritual depth was shaped early growing up in extreme poverty, and when he was still a child, experiencing the death of his father. He studied at a school for poor children, later working in a hospital caring for those who were sick and dying. His time here taught him compassion, discipline and trusting in God.
He entered the Carmelite order and began his studies in philosophy and theology. He later became a priest, and considered joining the Carthusian Order, before encountering Teresa of Ávila, who asked John to join her as a Carmelite. Together, they founded the Discalced Carmelites.
John was known as a remarkable and influential writer and poet, whose influence continued after his death. He is best known for his teaching on the Dark Night of the Soul.
Read more in: Secondary Unit 21 – Part 7 – Page 6, Unit 53 – Part 3 – Page 17
