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This Pennsylvania native became the first American quadriplegic priest
By Larry Peterson William Edward Atkinson was born on January 4, 1946, in the suburban Philadelphia town of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, He came from a devout Catholic family, and as he grew, he was obviously someone who had focus and direction. Strong in faith, he studied hard and received excellent grades. He was blessed with…
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This kid from Iowa grew up to be a Bishop in Uganda, served in all four sessions of Second Vatican Council, and his cause for sainthood has been sent to Rome.
By Larry Peterson Vincent Joseph McCauley was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on March 8, 1906. His dad, Charles, worked as an installer for AT&T and his mom stayed home taking care of the six kids of whom Vincent was the oldest. Vincent’s parents were active and devout Catholics; dad was a member of the…
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Priests Martyred during the Cristero War who were Members of the Knights of Columbus
By Larry Peterson The Cristero War in Mexico is counted among the darkest times in the history of that nation. More than 90,000 Mexicans lost their lives; almost 57,000 died under government authority and more than 30,000 Cristeros, including the thousands that supported them. On May 21, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 25 saints…
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Guilty by Bloodline; Blessed Margaret Pole’s life displays Courage to all Christians no matter the challenge.
By Larry Peterson Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, was born on August 14, 1473, in Somerset, England. She was the last daughter of George Plantagenet (Plantagenet Dynasty), the Duke of Clarence. King Henry VII officiated at her marriage to Sir Richard Pole whose mother-in-law, Edith St. John, was a half-sister of the king’s mother, Margaret…
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Lucien Botovosoa’s devotion to Christ and Family made him a Martyr—- Today he is counted among the Patrons of Married Couples and Fathers
By Larry Peterson Madagascar is a vast island nation located off the east-central coast of Africa. It was here that Lucien Botovasoa was born in the year 1908, the exact day is unknown. He was the oldest of nine brothers and sisters. Besides that, not much more is known about his early childhood. Lucien began…
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Meet the “Apostle of the Abandoned”; St. John Baptist de Rossi
By Larry Peterson John Baptist de Rossi was born on February 22, 1698, in Genoa. His mother and father were quite poor in material goods but were rich in virtue and love of their neighbor(s). John was the youngest of four children, and even during his formative years not only exhibited obvious compassion and love…
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St. Antoninus of Florence—This brilliant Theologian also was known as The Father of the Poor
By Larry Peterson Antonio Pierozzi was born on March 1, 1389, in Florence which, at that time, was an independent republic. His father, Nicollo, was a notary which was considered an upstanding position in the community. His mom died when he was five years old, and his dad remarried the very same year. His “new”…
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Mother Maria Skobtsova—She had two titles: The “Saint of the Open Door” and The “Trash Can Saint” She was also Martyred by the Nazis
By Larry Peterson What follows is a brief story about a woman who would have had to be considered one of the most unlikely candidates for sainthood. A chain-smoking, twice divorced, left leaning nun with a brilliant mind and a heart so big she just could never love enough. However, being part of the Roman…
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Saint Paschal of Baylon…Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him the Seraph (Angel) of the Eucharist
By Larry Peterson On May 16,1540, a baby boy was born to Martin and Elizabeth Baylon in the Kingdom of Aragon, located in Spain. This day also happened to be the Feast of Pentecost. Since the people in Spain refer to the Feast of Pentecost as the Pasch (Passover) of the Holy Ghost., his…
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Blessed Imelda Lambertini—This eleven-year-old became the Patroness of First Communicants
By Larry Peterson Some children exhibit a spirituality that is so powerful that they become an actual phenomenon. However, unlike child prodigies, it is not their mental capabilities that transcend the norm. Rather, it is a connection with God Himself that takes them to a place reserved only for them. Imelda Lambertini was one of…
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