Image of Saint Alexander of Alexandria Learn about Saint Alexander of Alexandria, his role in opposing Arian heresy, mentoring Saint Athanasius, and safeguarding the Catholic faith in the early Church. 1. Saint Alexander of Alexandria a Defender of the Divinity of Christ The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, a truth essential for redemption and worship (CCC, 465; Council of Nicaea, 325/1990). Saint Alexander defended this doctrine as part of the apostolic deposit of faith handed down through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition (Dei Verbum, 10). Alexander understood that Christ’s divinity guarantees the efficacy of the Incarnation, the Cross, and the sacraments , especially the Eucharist, where Christ is truly present as Lord (CCC, 1374; Aquinas, ST III, q.75, a.1). 1.1. Examples of Saint Alexander of Alexandria on Defending the Divinity of Christ He argued from Sacred Scripture that Christ possesses divine attributes such as e...

Image of Saint Walburga Learn about Saint Walburga, celebrated on February 25, and her contributions to Catholic education, monastic life, and the communion of saints. Explore devotions, relics, and her legacy. 1. Saint Walburga is Life of the Anglo-Saxon Abbess Saint Walburga (710–779) was born into a devout noble family in Wessex, England. From an early age, she displayed strong devotion, learning the Sacred Scriptures , prayer, and charitable works. She traveled with her missionary brothers, Saints Willibald and Winibald, to the Frankish Empire, helping evangelize pagan regions and founding monastic communities. She became abbess of Heidenheim Abbey, overseeing spiritual formation, education, and care for the poor (Farmer, 2011; McBrien, 2016; Delaney, 2005; Attwater & John, 1993; Baring-Gould, 1897; Hodgkin, 1905; Holweck, 1924; Walsh, 2007; Ryan, 2010; Butler, 2006). For example; Founded Heidenheim Abbey and structured prayer , work, and education programs; taught young wo...

Image of Saint Ethelbert of Kent  By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Ethelbert of Kent, his martyrdom, faith, and legacy in the Catholic Church. Inspirational lessons for all Christians. Introduction Saint Ethelbert of Kent is remembered by the Catholic Church not primarily as a political ruler but as a witness to moral integrity and faithful endurance of unjust suffering. His life demonstrates that holiness and martyrdom can take many forms even outside overt religious persecution and that moral courage is central to Christian discipleship (Catholic Church, 1994; McBrien, 2008; Holy See, 2004). 1. Who Was Saint Ethelbert of Kent? Saint Ethelbert was a Christian king whose sanctity is rooted in moral faithfulness. Catholic theology extends the concept of martyrdom beyond explicit religious persecution to include deaths borne in defense of justice and virtue (Butler & Burns, 1995; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). For example; he traveled to another king’s cour...

Image of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna By Edward Matulanya  Learn about Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, disciple of Saint John, early Catholic bishop, and martyr. Explore his life, teachings, and faithfulness to Christ. 1. Saint Polycarp of Smyrna as Early Christian Bishop and Martyr Saint Polycarp of Smyrna stands as one of the clearest historical witnesses to the structure and theology of the early Catholic Church. Living in the late first and mid-second centuries, Polycarp exercised episcopal ministry at a time when Christianity lacked legal protection and was frequently subject to persecution (Frend, 1984; Eusebius, trans. 2019). Catholic scholars consistently identify Polycarp as evidence that the episcopate was already normative and authoritative well before the second century ended (Sullivan, 2001; Pelikan, 1971). His role illustrates that bishops functioned as teachers of doctrine, guardians of unity, and celebrants of the Eucharist (Bradshaw, 2010). Ancient testimony indicates ...