SAINT FOR NORWAY?

 

As we are dealing with some Catholic writers this month, the news just came from the Diocese of Oslo, Norway, that the cause for the canonization of SIGRID UNDSET will take place soon. Her novel  Kristin Lavransdatter  is considered to be one of the best of the 20^th century.  (See Blogs:  Oct 23 & Oct 26, 2023)

She is recognized by the Church as an example of how intellectual brilliance, personal conversion and perseverance through suffering can become a path toward holiness.

Most are aware of her writings, but few know of her inner life, her care of the poor and defense of human dignity. She courageously defended the Catholic Church, in a country which was mainly Lutheran, and through her writing fought against Hitler and Nazism.

After Germany occupied Norway during the Second World War, she fled to the United States, where she spoke forcefully in support of the Norwegian resistance, returning home after the war.

Bishop Fredrik Hansen of Oslo said her life demonstrates that sanctity is not reserved for the extraordinary few, but remains the universal calling of every baptized Christian.

It has been a very long time since there was a Norwegian saint. St Magnus Erlendsson, who died in 1117, and St Olaf Haraldson, who was canonized in 1164, were the last saints.

CATHOLIC POET IN OLD AGE

 

Summer is the time of reading, so there are always lists of books to read- even children have programs and contests to get them to read more books in their vacation time. I thought it would be a good time to highlight some future saints who were writers.

 The first is a poet, who is an inspiration to us all. that one is never too old to be creative, and never too old to be holy.

 ANNE CHANNING PORTER was born in Sherborn, near Boston in 1911 into a prominent, wealthy family. Her great-great uncle was the famous preacher and author William Ellery Channing (the foremost Unitarian preacher in the United States in the early nineteenth century).

 She made poems even before she could write, having an uncle write them down for her.

She was educated at Bryn Mawr and Harvard preceding her marriage to the painter Fairfield Porter in 1932.  In spite of a marriage that was at times difficult, she was a dutiful wife and mother of five, finding time to write poems on the side, some of which were published.

She decided to write more after her husband died in 1975. Yet her first book, An Altogether Different Language, came out when she was 83 years old. It was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1994. In 2006, she added 44 new poems to the book and renamed it “Living Things.”

The sense of her own spirituality was enhanced by the discovery of the writing of St. Francis of Assisi  from an early age.  She was also moved by the daily prayer of the family servants, many of whom were Irish. She was encouraged by Dorothy Day  to meet with Father Joseph McSorley, an old Paulist priest and in 1954 she came into the Catholic Church, much to the chagrin of her atheist family, though her husband supported her in this move. 

Her poems were largely spiritual in nature, almost meditations on Bible verses, hymns and prayers. It seemed her upbringing in Sherborn instilled in her an attentiveness to nature and to the beauty of the world around her. Her poems call upon the natural world to express a deep love and appreciation for life. Poet David Shapiro called her “an American religious poet of stature who reminds us that the idea of the holy is still possible for us.”

"Her poems are uncomplicated and accessible free verse, expressing exquisite  descriptions of natural and human life illuminated by the power and grace and the redeeming love of Jesus Christ." (John Janaro in Magnificat Magazine)

Continuing to write throughout her later years, Anne moved to Hampton Bays to live with her daughter. She died just before her 100th birthday in 2011. For Anne Porter, her poetry was her prayer.

My favorite is “The First of May”, where she integrates pain, suffering and the deteriorations of old age, although on first reading it seems to be about only new life..

 

Now the smallest creatures, who do not know they have names
In fields of pure sunshine open themselves and sing.
All over the marshes and in the wet meadows,
Wherever there is water, the companies of peepers
Who cannot count their members, gather with sweet shouting.
And the flowers of the woods who cannot see each other
Appear in perfect likeness of one another
Among the weak new shadows on the mossy places.
Now the smallest creatures, who know themselves by heart,
With all their tender might and roundness of delight
Spending their colors, their myriads and their voices
Praise the moist ground and every winking leaf
And the new sun that smells of the new streams.

.

Paintings: Anne often posed for her husband’s paintings, usually in the setting of their kitchen, living room or backyard. 

BASTILLE DAY- AN AMERICAN SAINT

Perhaps I should have posted this closer to the 4th of July, since our saint-to-be was born just 3 days after the independence of our nation, but as it happens today is actually better as it is Bastille Day, celebrated annually in France on July 14.

 It is the national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789. This violent uprising at a notorious Paris prison symbolized the downfall of the absolute monarchy and marked the explosive beginning of the French Revolution and the ultimate triumph of liberty over autocracy. This period in French history would effect the life of the following man.

SERVANT OF GOD SIMON WILLIAM GABRIEL BRUTE de REMUR was born in Rennes, France in 1779 to an ancient and wealthy family.  At the age of seven, his father, a parliamentary lawyer and steward of the Crown properties in Brittany, died.  He was raised by his mother, a woman of rare worth, who gave her children a deep love of their faith.

This was the day of the great persecutions of the French Revolution, when the prisons of Rennes were choked with victims and when blood was pouring down from the scaffolds.

 Not wanting her child to participate in the Reign of Terror, his mother taught him the printing trade, which was his late father’s trade. He witnessed trials and executions of priests as well as visited imprisoned priests, smuggling in the Blessed Sacrament disguised as a bakers assistant.. 

In 1796 he studied medicine, yet upon graduation in 1803 he entered the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice, Paris. Ordained in 1808, he refused the post of assistant chaplain to Napoleon I, instead joining the Society of Saint-Sulpice (Sulpicians).

He taught theology for two years before emigrating to the United States. At St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, he taught philosophy for two years then transferred to Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland and taught while serving as pastor to local Catholics. 

He struggled with mastery of English, becoming able to write but never fluent in conversational English. He also served as the spiritual director of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the Sisters of Charity in the United States.

In 1834, he was assigned as Bishop to the diocese of Vincennes, modern day Indiana and eastern Illinois. A week after his installation as bishop of Vincennes, Bishop Bruté decided to visit his entire diocese. Clearly, two priests to assist in the ministry of the diocese would not do  so he wrote to the bishop of his native Diocese of Rennes in France to see if he could find help. He also wrote to his younger brother, Augustine, seeking everything from cruets, vestments, altar cards, missals, a ring and a pectoral cross (“in case I lose mine”), a miter, a crosier (“the one I have is gilded wood”), to a very light chasuble for carrying on horseback. He drew a map of the diocese for his brother, a copy of which is still extant.

The majority of the people encountered in the diocese were not Catholic. But for the most part, suspicions were laid aside, and the bishop and his two priests were received kindly. Bishop Bruté wrote: “The Bishop left every place well pleased, fondly believing that the people would easily be reconciled to ‘the man of sin’ of Vincennes, and more easily to the other sinners, his successors.”

The bishop’s lot was like that of any other missionary at the time.He had to inquire where a Catholic family might be found and go in search of them. Most Catholics didn’t even know that Indiana had its own bishop until he arrived.

Their bishop rode hundreds of miles on horseback. He wrote to a friend in May 1835 that he had made his rounds “with an ease that I could express, if to be believed, by saying that I felt no more tired every evening than if I had not left my room—I can’t conceive it—one day it was a full 60 miles, till eleven o’clock at night mostly through the wet prairies.” But there wasn’t much the bishop could do for his scattered people until he found more priests. He knew that he could only find them in France.

Visiting France, he wa able to secure priests and funds to build Churches throughout his diocese. At the time of his death in 1839, there were 25 diocesan priests and 20 seminarians serving throughout the diocese. 

 He was buried under the sanctuary of the cathedra of Vincennes, Indiana, wher he died. His tremendous influence on the entire church, his success in planning, financing, and carrying out necessary ecclesiastical reforms, and the constructive and executive ability he displayed in his diocese made him one of the foremost Catholic emigrants to the United States. He wrote Brief Notes on his experiences in France in 1793, in which he described state persecution of Catholic priests.

He became known for his unselfishness, his austerity, and his spirituality, as well as for his immense erudition.

OLD PRAYER FOR USA TODAY

 

This prayer composed,  in 1791 by Archbishop John Carroll (d. 1815), the nation’s first Catholic bishop, is most appropriate for us today as we celebrate our country’s 250 anniversary.  He oversaw the Diocese of Baltimore, then the only diocese in the nascent United States, from 1789 to 1815. He became Archbishop of Baltimore in 1808, up to which point he had also administered the entire U.S. Catholic Church. (See note below) 

 "We pray, O almighty and eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name.

We pray Thee, who alone are good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, the pope, the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, all other bishops, prelates and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct your people into the ways of salvation.

We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the president of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.

Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state, for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by your powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to you, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of your servants departed, who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech you, a place of refreshment, light and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.  Amen."

Charles & John Carroll

 PAINTING at TOP: "The Prayer at Valley Forge", a 1975 painting by Arnold Friberg done for America's bicentennial celebration in 1976.

Archbishop John Carroll oversaw the Diocese of Baltimore, then the only diocese in the nascent United States, from 1789 to 1815. He became Archbishop of Baltimore in 1808, up to which point he had also administered the entire U.S. Catholic Church.

The Patriarch of the West, Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget, wrote about Archbishop Carroll: “This holy man has run a glorious career. He was gifted with a wisdom and a prudence which made everyone esteem and love him.”

The Archbishop’s older brother, Daniel Carroll II (1730–1796), was one of five men to sign both the Articles of Confederation (1778) and the US Constitution (1787).

His cousin, Charles Carroll (1737–1832), was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence (1776). He participated in the 1828 setting of the "first stone" in the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

FROM THE HOLY FATHER FOR THE 4TH

 

POPE LEO’S LETTER TO U.S.A. FOR 250 ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government.

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to carry these principles forward — through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation's remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today.

Among the most cherished of these principles is religious freedom — the right of every person to worship according to conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion or fear. In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.

This same freedom has permitted the Catholic Church to take root and flourish within the United States, to the advantage not only of her own members, but of the entire nation. As faithful sons and daughters of the Church, Catholics e called to imbue every dimension of their existence with the charity of Christ (cf. 2 Cor 5:14), living out the Gospel in the circumstances of daily life. Such a way of living has given rise to the many benefits that the Church has provided over the years to the development of this nation. In particular, I bring to mind her service in areas of education, the preferential care of the poor, healthcare and basic social services, to name a few.

In the Encyclical Sapientiae Christianae, my predecessor Pope Leo XIII wrote that "no better citizen is there… than the Christian who is mindful of his duty" (no. 7). In fact, faith — far from standing in opposition to the responsibilities of citizenship — lends new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace and the common good, bringing to perfection every natural gift bestowed by the Creator. Saint Paul himself encouraged the early Christians to pray for those in positions of authority in order to live a peaceful life in accord with the will of God (cf. 1 Tim 2:2). In this regard, it is in the faithful fulfilment of duty — to God and country — that Catholics are called to continue to serve the nation, as leaven for the growth of a civilization of love (cf. Mt 13:33).

Also among the principles that have guided the development of this country is the God-given dignity of every human life, each person being endowed with an inherent worth that calls for reverence, protection and care. In this spirit, a full understanding of this dignity leads to recognizing the importance of safeguarding human life from its beginning at conception until natural death, and of building a society in which the vulnerable, the suffering and the forgotten are always met with compassion, solidarity and love.

Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning. In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation's character. To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.

In my recent Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, I wrote about working together for the common good. "Building a world in which everyone can flourish requires shared responsibility and courage. No one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing" (no. 13). We need one another, and we need to work together in unity to confront the challenges that the world is facing today.

May this milestone renew the shared commitment to the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity and democracy. May Americans honor the courage and vision of those who came before them by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences and working together toward a more perfect union.

Congratulations on this extraordinary national anniversary. May the spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future. In assuring all of you of my prayers in your renewed efforts to strengthen the nation in the principles that guided its Founding Fathers, I entrust you to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of this country, that she will continue to watch over America and protect all who dwell therein.

250 YEARS TO COME

 

As we celebrate the 250 anniversary of our country's birth with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I give you this poem by the agrarian poet, Wendell Barry, with the hope and prayer that the future will be brighter, more just and freer for all people who dwell in this amazingly beautiful land.

If we will have the wisdom to survive,
to stand like slow growing trees
in a ruined place, renewing, enriching it...
then a long time after we are dead
the lives our lives prepare will live
here, their houses strongly placed
upon the valley sides...
The river will run
clear, as we will never know it...
On the steeps where greed and ignorance cut down
the old forest, an old forest will stand,
its rich leaf-fall drifting on its roots.
The veins of forgotten springs will have opened.
Families will be singing in the fields...
Memory,
native to this valley, will spread over it
like a grove, and memory will grow
into legend, legend into song, song
into sacrament. The abundance of this place,
the songs of its people and its birds,
will be health and wisdom and indwelling
light. This is no paradisal dream.
Its hardship is its reality.

    (From "New and Collected Poems", Counterpoint Press)

NEW VENERABLE

 

On June 18, 2026, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints promulgated the decree of Pope Leo XIV recognizing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God JULIO MARY De LOMBAERSE, making him Venerable.

He was a  Belgian Catholic missionary who became a naturalized Brazilian, of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Family, founder of the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary , the Missionaries of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacramentarian Sisters of Our Lady.

Julio Emilio was born in Beveren-Leie, Belgium in 1878. At the age of seventeen, as a boarding student at St. Joseph’s College in Torhout, he heard a bishop’s sermon about the missions in Africa. 

As soon as he finished his studies, he joined the Society of the Missionaries of Africa, known as the White Fathers, and in 1895 he left for Algeria as a lay brother. Stricken with a fever that did not subside, he felt an inner urging to become a priest, promising Our Lady that if she granted him a cure, he would enter the seminary. The fever soon left him and he returned to Europe, joining the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Family in Grave, Netherlands.

He was ordained on January 13, 1908. In 1912, he was sent to Brazil, where he would spend spent 16 years in the North and Northeast, preaching missions, serving as a parish priest, and founding a religious congregation. He also dedicated himself to education and basic sanitation as a way to improve the health conditions of the local population. 

“It really is the country of dreams. “Everything grows on trees here: bread, sugar, [cane] juice and even milk. There are only two things missing, perhaps I will discover them yet: a tree that produces ham, and another that produces eggs. After all this, and despite the heat, everyone will be shouting: long live Brazil!”

In 1928, he left for Manhumirin, in eastern Minas Gerais, with the full support ofDom Carloto Fernandes da Silva Tavora, bishop pf Caratinga. There he spent the last 16 years of his life, serving as parish priest, seminary formator, and master of its religious congregations. He also dedicated himself to journalism, with his newspaper O Lutador (Fighter). 

In many areas what really worried him was the state of souls: the practice of religion was restricted to certain ceremonies and external acts, without devotion or true piety, and there was a deep corruption of customs, which had become truly pagan and even anti-Christian. Furthermore, since there were no priests to instruct the people, men appeared who offered to preside over the ceremonies and prayers, drawn by the desire to profit at the expense of the needs of the faithful, thereby diverting them even further from the truth.

Fr. Julio Maria  visited the villages, teaching catechism to the children and personally attending to the sick. To better evangelize the youths who were given over to a meaningless life, he founded a school for boys. “He was the doctor. He was the pharmacist. He was the schoolmaster par excellence,” which quickly won him not only the trust of the people, who started attending church again, but also the recognition of the public authorities.

For the young women, he decided to finally realize an inspiration that he had long cherished in his heart: the foundation  of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The new venerable died with a reputation for holiness on Christmas Eve,1944, in a car accident. His mortal remains reside in the sanctuary of Senhor Bom Jesus de Manhumir.