Blair Gaynes

St. Thomas More (1478–1535) was born in London, the son of a lawyer and judge. He was educated in the finest schools and became a brilliant English statesman. He served in parliament, on the King’s council, as a diplomat, and in many other prominent positions in public administration. He was highly esteemed for his unfailing moral integrity, sharpness of mind, humor, and extraordinary learning. He was also a faithful Catholic, a loving husband, and a devoted father. For his great abilities he was promoted by his friend King Henry VIII to the high office of Lord Chancellor, second in position to the king. He resigned from this post when the king, in open defiance of Church teaching, sought to divorce his wife in order to marry another woman, and to declare himself sovereign of the Church in England. Thomas More, a defender against heresy, refused to condone the king’s actions. After trying unsuccessfully to persuade his friend to approve of what he was doing, King Henry VIII imprisoned More in the Tower of London. At his trial, More testified boldly for Church autonomy over the state, for the authority of the pope as head of the Church, and for the indissolubility of marriage in the eyes of God. He was eventually condemned and beheaded, dying as a martyr for the Catholic faith. Thomas More is the patron saint of statesman, politicians, lawyers, civil servants, and large families.

Juliana Falconieri was born in Florence, Italy in 1270. Her family was wealthy and active in the affairs of the city. When Juliana’s father died, her uncle, Alessio Falconieri, helped take care of her. Alessio had dedicated his life to God and was one of the founders of the Servants of Mary (the Servites). His vocation had a profound effect on Juliana and she, too, began to wear the habit and serve the poor. At the young age of sixteen, she became a Servite Tertiary. After her mother died in 1304, Juliana gathered like-minded women, wrote a rule, and founded the Sisters of the Third Order of Servites. Juliana and her sisters offered fasting and many sacrifices in atonement for the violence that was common in Florence during the Middle Ages. Towards the end of her life, Juliana became ill and was unable to eat solid food. Eventually, she was unable to swallow any food. This made it impossible for her to receive the Holy Eucharist. As her death drew near, a priest came to administer Last Rites and give her Viaticum. Juliana asked for a corporal to be spread across her chest and the Blessed Sacrament was placed there, close to her heart. When Juliana died, the Sacred Host disappeared! On Juliana’s chest, at the place where the Blessed Sacrament had rested, appeared a cross similar to the one that had been on the host. The Servites continue to include this symbol of the Eucharistic miracle on their religious habit. St Juliana Falconieri died in 1341 and was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737.

St. John Francis Regis (1597–1640) was born to a wealthy French merchant and his noble wife. After being educated by the Jesuits, he joined their order at the age of 18 and was later ordained a priest. He grew into a skilled preacher and catechist, and received an assignment to evangelize the French provinces that had fallen to the Protestants - the Huguenots - as well as lapsed Catholics. He devoted his life to this mission and was very successful, winning countless souls to Christ. He preached the Gospel to men, women, and children in all walks and stations of life, even traveling on foot to wild mountain parishes as a missionary priest. He would live on meager meals while spending his days in prayer, preaching, hearing confessions, and visiting prisons and hospitals. He raised controversy when he established hostels for converted prostitutes to remain chaste and work for their sustenance in the lace-making and embroidery trades. He is also remembered for stationing a granary to feed the poor, which at times was miraculously replenished. St. Regis is the patron of embroiderers, social workers, and lace makers.