The First Native American Saint

Lily of the Mohawks © Lawrence Klimecki

The Church does not create saints, rather it follows a process that allows us to recognize certain individuals as holy and enjoying the Beatific Vision of God. "Blessed" is a step in that process that culminates in canonization.

The recent announcement that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be formally "canonized," was understandably met with great joy in the Native American community. Click here to read the story.

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Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian, private commission ©Lawrence Klimecki

Seeing the plight of the Christians persecuted under the emperor, Sebastian joined the Roman army that he might better offer the martyrs comfort and encouragement without raising suspicions. When the brothers, Marcus and Marcellianus, deacons of the Church, were arrested, Sebastian urged them to stay strong and hold fast to the faith. But spies and informers were everywhere, even in the emperor's Praetorian guard, and Sebastian was found out and accused of being a Christian.

Brought before Diocletian, Sebastian refused to renounce the faith and the emperorer ordered him delivered to the Mauritanian archers to be executed. Tied to a tree and shot through with arrows, he was left for dead but God preserved him and he was found by Irene who tended his wounds and nursed him back to health.

Rather than flee with his life Sebastian went to a place he knew that the emperor would pass close by. He confronted Diocletian and condemend his cruelty to Christians. Angered,  the emperor ordered the sentence of death to be carried out immediately and the holy man was beaten to death with clubs.

Sebastian is remembered for his great faith and courage in the face of persecution. He is loved by many and is the patron of the Swiss Guards that protect the Holy Father.

Saint Luke - October 18

The Beloved Physician © Lawrence Klimecki

The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke stresses that God's salvation and mercy are offered to all people regardless of their station, their wealth, their poverty, their education or their ignorance. All that is required is a complete renunciation of sin and complete dedication to Christ.

Luke emphasizes Jesus' patience and compassion with sinners and those who are suffering.

Luke also focuses on prayer and the Holy Spirit as he shows Jesus at prayer before every important point of His ministry.

This image is available as an open edition, unsigned print.

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The Mystery of the Trinity

The Most Holy Trinity is often referred to as a mystery of faith. But is a mystery something we cannot understand? Not at all, we can understand the mystery of the Trinity to the extent that God has revealed it to us.

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New! St. Michael Archangel Holy Cards

Saint Michael Holy Card, art © Lawrence KlimeckiIn 1886 the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII, wrote a prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel in response to a vision he received warning of the influence of satan in the world. It became common practice to recite this prayer at the end of every Mass. Sadly this tradition has fallen by the wayside observed now by only a few scattered souls.

That is, until recently, when His Excellency the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, renewed the tradition by authorizing the public recitation of the prayer.

Both Pope Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have encouraged the faithful to pray it daily especially at the end of Mass.

We thought it fitting that our first holy card offering would feature this prayer to Saint Michael. Measuring 2.5" X 3.5" the cards are available in packs of 20 for $9.99 plus shipping.

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