FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

  Saint Wenceslaus By Edward Matulanya St. Wenceslaus—known in Czech as Václav and popularly called Good King Wenceslas—was born around 907 CE near Prague to Duke Vratislaus I and Drahomíra of Bohemia (Britannica, n.d.-a). After his father’s death, his Christian grandmother St. Ludmila oversaw his upbringing and instructed him in the faith (New Advent, 1912). Wenceslaus became Duke of Bohemia around 921 CE and worked to strengthen Christianity in his realm: he restored exiled clergy, built churches, aided the poor, and reportedly embraced a life of chastity (New Advent, 1912). Political tension between Christian and pagan factions culminated when his younger brother Boleslaus conspired against him. On 28 September—traditionally dated either 929 or 935—Wenceslaus was murdered near the church door at Stará Boleslav while attending Mass (Britannica, n.d.-a; New Advent, 1912). The Church venerates him as a martyr because his death was viewed as a consequence of his Christian witnes...

By Edward Matulanya  Pope John Paul II visited Tanzania from 1–5 September 1990 as part of a pastoral journey to Africa that also included Burundi, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. He traveled to Dar es Salaam, Songea, Mwanza, Tabora and Moshi. John Paul II Arrival in Dar es Salaam Pope John Paul II welcomed by Mwinyi Arrival in Dar es Salaam (1 Sept 1990) – The Pope was welcomed by government and Church leaders and immediately praised Tanzania’s tradition of peace and interreligious harmony (John Paul II, Arrival Address, 1 Sept 1990). Pope John Paul II arrived in Dar es Salaam and was greeted by President Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Catholic leaders (John  Priestly Ordinations at Jangwani by John Paul II  Priestly Ordinations, Jangwani Grounds (2 Sept) – He celebrated Mass and ordained new priests, urging them to “be faithful ministers of the Word and Sacraments” (Homily, Dar es Salaam, 2 Sept 1990). John Paul II was the principal celebrant of a large outdoor Mass in which “the Chur...

  Saint Vincent de Paul By Edward Matulanya  Early Life and Education Saint Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581, in Pouy, Gascony (now Saint-Vincent-de-Paul), France, into a poor peasant family. At the age of 15, his father sold the family’s oxen to finance his education at the seminary in Dax. Vincent later studied theology at the University of Toulouse and was ordained a priest in 1600 (Catholic.org, n.d.; Wikipedia, 2025). Captivity and Conversion In 1605, Vincent was captured by Barbary pirates and sold into slavery in Tunis. After two years, he escaped and returned to France, where he resumed his theological studies in Rome and Paris (Catholic.org, n.d.). Commitment to the Poor Vincent's life took a transformative turn after hearing the confession of a dying peasant, leading him to dedicate himself to serving the poor. He founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in 1625 to evangelize the rural poor and train clergy (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2025). In ...

  One God  By Edward Matulanya  Here’s a clear explanation of One God according to the Roman Catholic Church, as explained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is one, living, and true God, the Creator of all things, who is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. God is one in essence (nature) but exists as a Trinity of Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of one divine substance in three Persons does not divide God, but reveals His inner life of perfect unity and love. According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC 200) “There is but one God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, a Trinity of one substance.” Also, (CCC 201) “To Israel, his chosen, God revealed himself as the only One: ‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD…’ (Dt 6:4).”Further more, (CCC 253) “The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three Persons, the ‘consub...

  Saints Cosmas and Damian By Edward Matulanya Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers and early Christian martyrs, renowned for their medical expertise and unwavering faith. Born in Arabia during the 3rd century, they practiced medicine in the seaport town of Aegea (modern-day Ayash, Turkey) without accepting payment, earning them the title anargyroi—Greek for “the silverless” or “unmercenaries”. Early Life and Medical Practice of  Saints Cosmas and Damian Raised by their Christian mother, Theodota, Cosmas and Damian were educated in Syria and became skilled physicians. Their charitable approach to medicine, offering services without charge, led many to convert to Christianity. They were reputed to have performed miraculous healings, including curing blindness, fever, and paralysis, and even expelling a serpent from a patient's breast . Martyrdom of  Saints Cosmas and Damian During the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, Cosmas and Damian were arrested by Lysias, t...

  Jesus and Ibrahim representing the two convenants  By Edward Matulanya  According to the Roman Catholic Church. In Catholic theology, covenants are sacred agreements between God and humanity. The two major covenants are the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Here’s a detailed description with references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible. 1. Old Covenant The Old Covenant refers to the agreement God made with the people of Israel, beginning with Abraham and fully revealed through Moses and the Law (Torah). It established a relationship of faithfulness, obedience, and worship between God and His chosen people, with promises of blessings and guidance. The Old Covenant prepared humanity for the coming of Christ. According to Holy Bible, (Genesis 17:7) “I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.” Al...

  Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork By Edward Matulanya  Saint Finbarr of Cork (also known as Fionnbharr, Finnbarr, or Barra) was a 6th-century Irish bishop and the patron saint of Cork, Ireland. His feast day is celebrated on 25 September. Early Life and Education of  Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork Saint Finbarr was born around 550 CE, likely near Bandon in County Cork, Ireland. He was the son of Amergin, a skilled metalworker. Finbarr received his education at Kilmacahil Monastery in Kilkenny, where he earned the name "Fionnbharr," meaning "fair-haired," due to his distinctive light hair.  Monastic Life and Founding of the School of Cork After completing his studies, Finbarr became a hermit on a small island at Gougane Barra, a scenic lake in County Cork. Seeking a more solitary life, he later founded a monastery and school at Lough Eirc, which eventually developed into the city of Cork. The name "Cork" is derived from the Irish word corcach, meaning ...

  Saints Abadir and Iraja/Ter and Erai By Edward Matulanya  Saints Abadir and Iraja (also known as Ter and Erai) are venerated as martyrs in both the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Their feast day is commemorated on September 25 in the Gregorian calendar and October 8 in the Julian calendar. Historical Context and Martyrdom of Saints Abadir and Iraja According to tradition, Abadir and Iraja were siblings and the children of the sister of Basilides, who is referred to as "the father of kings." The siblings fled from Antioch to Alexandria to escape persecution. There, they were arrested and brought to Antinoe (modern-day Sohag, Egypt), where they were beheaded along with Cluthus, a physician and priest, and an additional 3,685 companions. These companions included several priests and martyrs, such as Apa Paphnutius of Tentyra, Apa Isaac of Tiphre, and Simeon of Thou, among others . Veneration and Legacy of Saints Abadir and Iraja The Passion of Abadir and...

  Saint Mart Moura By Edward Matulanya Saint Moura (also known as Mart Moura) is a Christian martyr from Upper Egypt, commemorated for her steadfast faith and courage during the early centuries of Christianity. Her feast day is celebrated on May 3 and September 25 in various Christian traditions, including the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Coptic Orthodox Churches. Early Life and Martyrdom of Saint Moura Saint Moura was born in Upper Egypt and married a deacon named Timothy. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who initiated widespread persecutions against Christians, the governor Urban summoned Timothy and his wife, urging them to renounce their faith and embrace paganism. Both refused to comply, demonstrating unwavering commitment to Christianity. Consequently, they were subjected to crucifixion and endured a prolonged and agonizing death around 283 AD. Some sources suggest that their martyrdom may have occurred under Emperor Decius, prior to June 251 AD. Veneration and Lega...

Saint Ceolfrid/Ceolfrith By Edward Matulanya Saint Ceolfrid (also spelled Ceolfrith) was an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine monk, abbot, and missionary, renowned for his contributions to monasticism in early medieval England. His feast day is celebrated on 25 September. Early Life and Monastic Formation of  Saint Ceolfrid/Ceolfrith Born in 642 CE, Ceolfrid hailed from a noble Anglo-Saxon family. At the age of 18, he entered the monastery at Ripon, which was then under the leadership of Saint Wilfrid. After ten years of rigorous study and spiritual formation, Ceolfrid was ordained as a priest by Saint Wilfrid. He later spent time at the monastery of Icanhoe (modern-day Boston, Lincolnshire), founded by Saint Botulph, before returning to Ripon to serve as novice-master. His reputation for humility and dedication to monastic life led to his recruitment by Saint Benedict Biscop. Monastic Leadership and Expansion of Saint Ceolfrid/Ceolfrith Upon joining Saint Benedict Biscop at Wearmouth Abbey ...

  Trinity By Edward Matulanya  Here’s a detailed description of the Trinity according to the Roman Catholic Church as described by both the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible. The Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. The Church teaches that there is one God in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal, sharing the same divine nature, yet distinct in their relations of origin: the Father is unbegotten, the Son is begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Trinity is mystery of love and communion, emphasizing that God is relational and that human beings are invited to participate in this divine life. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC 253) “The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three Persons, the ‘consubstantial Trinity.’”Also, (CCC 255) “The divine persons do not ...

  Saint Pacificus of San Severino By Edward Matulanya  St. Pacificus of San Severino (born Carlo Antonio Divini) was an Italian Franciscan priest and mystic, known for his holiness, intense suffering, and miracles.  Birth and Early Life: He was born on March 1, 1653, in San Severino, in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. His parents were Antonio Maria Divini and Mariangela Bruni. He was orphaned at a very young age (shortly after his Confirmation, when he was about three years old). He was raised by his maternal uncle, who was reportedly strict.  Religious Life: In December 1670, he entered the Franciscan order (the Reformati branch) at Forano, taking the religious name Pacificus. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1678. Early in his priesthood, he served as a professor (lector of philosophy) for the younger members of his order.  Ministry and Preaching After teaching, he spent several years (four to six) as a missionary in the surrounding regions, preaching and wor...

  Gerard Sagredo By Edward Matulanya Birth and Origin: Gerard Sagredo was born around 980 in Venice, Italy, into a noble family (some sources associate him with the Morosini or Sagredo families).  Early Life and Monastic Life of Saint  Gerard Sagredo As a young man, he entered the Benedictine monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. He later served as abbot and eventually left monastery leadership to live more contemplatively, including undertaking pilgrimage.  Mission and Episcopal Service of Saint Gerard Sagredo Gerard was invited by King Saint Stephen I of Hungary to work in evangelization. He became tutor to Prince Emeric (Stephen’s son). He was appointed the first Bishop of Csanád (in the Kingdom of Hungary) around 1030-1035. His episcopate was marked by strong missionary work, church organization, and efforts to convert pagan populations.  Martyrdom of  Saint  Gerard Sagredo After the death of King Stephen I, there was a pagan uprising in 104...

  Resurrection of Jesus   By Edward Matulanya Here’s a description of the four major feasts of the Roman Catholic Church. The four major feasts of the Roman Catholic Church can be referenced from the Bible that underpin their significance. 1. Easter Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is the central event of Christian faith. It marks the triumph of life over death and is the culmination of the Holy Week, following the period of Lent. Easter is a moveable feast, celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox (CCC 638). Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian faith. It signifies victory over sin and death and confirms Jesus as the Son of God. According to Holy Bible (Matthew 28:5–6) “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.’”Again (1 Corinthians 15:20) “But Christ has i...

  Saint Pio of Pietrelcina By Edward Matulanya  Early Life  Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), born Francesco Forgione on 25 May 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, was raised in a devout farming family. From childhood he experienced intense religious devotion and mystical phenomena such as visions and ecstasies (Ruffin, 1991). Religious Vocation of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina He entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order at age 15 and received the name Pio (Pius) in honor of Pope Pius I. He was ordained a priest in 1910, despite chronic health issues (Castelli, 2011). Stigmata and Ministry activities  Saint Pio of Pietrelcina In 1918, while praying after Mass, Pio received the stigmata—visible wounds resembling those of Christ’s Passion—on his hands, feet, and side. These wounds bled but remained uninfected until his death. He became renowned as a confessor and spiritual director, spending up to 16 hours a day hearing confessions. Many pilgrims reported ...

  Mose with ten Commandments of God By Edward Matulanya In Roman Catholic teaching, the first five books of the Bible called the Pentateuch or the Torah of Moses hold a special place as the inspired Word of God and the foundation of salvation history. The Catholic Church affirms that these books were divinely inspired and faithfully convey God’s revelation, even though they were written and compiled over time through various human authors (see Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] §§120–123). Description of five book of Moses  Below is a description of each book from a Catholic perspective. 1. Genesis Catholic Understandings contents that; Genesis proclaims God as the Creator of all things, the dignity of the human person made in God’s image, and the beginnings of salvation history through the covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It prepares for Christ, “the new Adam,” by tracing the promise of redemption after the Fall (CCC §§280, 390). 2. Exodus Catholic U...

  Saint Ignatius of Santhià By Edward Matulanya  Saint Ignatius of Santhià (1686 – 1770) Early Life of  Saint Ignatius Saint Ignatius of Santhià, born Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti on 5 June 1686 in Santhià, Piedmont, Italy, was the son of devout farmers. From childhood he demonstrated a deep sense of prayer and charity (Hagiography Circle, 2014). Religious Vocation of  Saint Ignatius After studying for the diocesan priesthood, he was ordained in 1710. Drawn to a life of greater simplicity and service, he entered the Capuchin branch of the Franciscan Order in 1716, taking the name Ignatius of Santhià (Butler, 1995). Ministry activities of  Saint Ignatius of Santhià Ignatius served in multiple roles such as Novice master and spiritual director, known for wisdom and patience. Also, saved as Confessor and preacher, especially sought for his compassion in the confessional. Further more, he saved as Hospital chaplain in Turin, ministering tirelessly to the sick and poo...

Saint Maurice By Edward Matulanya Historical Background. Around AD 287, during the reign of Emperor Maximian, a Roman legion recruited in Thebes, Egypt, and commanded by Saint Maurice, was stationed in Gaul (modern Switzerland). The legion traditionally estimated at about 6,000 men was entirely Christian (Butler, 1995; Holweck, 1924). Martyrdom of  Saint Maurice When ordered to offer sacrifice to Roman gods and to take part in the persecution of local Christians, Maurice and his soldiers refused. Maximian responded with repeated “decimations,” executing every tenth man to compel obedience. The entire legion ultimately suffered martyrdom near Agaunum (now Saint-Maurice, Switzerland) (Butler, 1995). Legacy and Veneration of  Saint Maurice Their steadfastness became a powerful example of fidelity to conscience and Christ over imperial command. A shrine was established at Agaunum in the early sixth century, developing into the present Abbaye de Saint-Maurice, one of the oldest con...