FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of Saint Edmund Campion By Edward Matulanya  Here are Biography, history, Legacy, Martyr, Miracles and Patronage of Saint Edmund Campion according to Roman Catholic Church. 1. Who Was Saint Edmund Campion? A Brief Biography of the English Jesuit Martyr Saint Edmund Campion (1540–1581) was an English Jesuit priest honored by the Catholic Church for his courage and fidelity during the English Reformation (Waugh, 1935). He is celebrated as a martyr because he upheld his faith despite severe religious restrictions (Catholic Church, 2004). 2. Early Life of Edmund Campion: Scholar, Orator, and Rising Star of Oxford Campion excelled academically at St. John’s College, Oxford, where he gained recognition as a gifted speaker and scholar (Kilroy, 2015). His intelligence and charm made him a respected figure long before he entered the Jesuits. For example, By his mid-twenties, Campion was considered one of Oxford’s most promising minds (Kilroy, 2015). 3. Edmund Campion and the Jesu...

Image of Purple Candle for the first week of Advent  By Edward Matulanya  Here are Overview, liturgical theme, symbol, and practice of the First Week of Advent in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is the First Week of Advent? Overview and Catholic Tradition The First Week of Advent begins the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. Advent is a time of waiting, preparation, and joyful expectation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and at the end of time (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). The Church teaches that this season invites believers to renew their hearts and lives. For e xample, a  Parish may bless the Advent wreath at the start of Mass, encouraging families to begin the season with hope. 2. The Catholic Liturgical Themes of the First Sunday of Advent The First Sunday of Advent focuses on watchfulness and readiness, rooted in Jesus’ call to remain spiritually awake. This theme is grounded in the Church’s teachings on preparing for Christ’s return ...

 By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, theology, history, practice and liturgical Celebration of Advent in Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is Advent in the Roman Catholic Church? Advent is the season of spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, both at His birth and His second coming (Catholic Church, 1994). For example, during Advent, parishes often begin Mass with songs of anticipation and place an Advent wreath in the church to signal the start of the season (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], n.d.). 2. The Meaning and Purpose of the Advent Season The purpose of Advent is to prepare Catholics spiritually, focusing on hope, repentance, and conversion (Vatican, n.d.). For example, a family may dedicate 10 minutes every evening to read Sacred Scripture , lighting a candle, and saying a short prayer of reflection. 3. When Advent Begins and Ends: Key Dates Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on December 24. The start date c...

Image of Saint Andrew the Apostle By Edward Matulanya  Here are Early life, History, Miracles Martyr, Legacy and Patronage of Saint Andrew the Apostle. 1. Who Is Saint Andrew the Apostle? Origins and Early Life Saint Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, was born in the fishing village of Bethsaida (John 1:44). The Catholic Church teaches that his background as a fisherman shows God’s ability to call ordinary people to extraordinary missions (Catholic Church, 1997). For example, Andrew immediately left his nets when Jesus called him a sign of trust (Matthew 4:19–20). 2. Saint Andrew in the Bible: Calling by Jesus and Apostolic Mission Andrew first followed John the Baptist. After hearing John identify Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” he went after Jesus and then brought his brother Peter to Him (John 1:35–42). For example, Because he was one of the first disciples to follow Christ, tradition calls him “the first-called” (O’Collins, 2000). 3. The Role of Saint Andrew in the Roman Catholic Trad...

By Edward Matulanya  Here are overview,  Cycle of Seasons,   Spiritual Practices  of the Catholic Liturgical Year. 1. A Complete Overview of Catholic Liturgical Year The Catholic liturgical year is a structured spiritual calendar that retells the story of Jesus Christ through seasons, feasts, and celebrations. It guides Sacred Scripture readings, prayers, and themes for worship throughout the year (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], 2022). For e xample, Easter Mass focuses on the Resurrection, while Christmas Mass centers on Jesus’ birth. 2. Understanding the Cycle of Seasons in the Catholic Church The liturgical year progresses through recurring seasons that highlight Christ’s birth, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection, and the mission of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997). For e xample, Lent encourages reflection, while Easter celebrates joy and new life. 3. Advent: The Beginning of the Liturgical Year Advent lasts fo...

Image of Saint Saturninus of Toulouse By Edward Matulanya  Here are Early life, history, Miracles, Legacy, and Patronage of Saint Saturninus of Toulouse. 1. Early Life and Mission of  Saint Saturninus of Toulouse Saint Saturninus (also known as Saint Sernin) was an early Christian missionary active in the 3rd century. According to Catholic tradition, he was sent to Gaul to help establish Christian communities during a time when Christianity was still spreading across the Roman Empire (Catholic Encyclopedia, 1912). For example, In the early 200s, when most people in Gaul practiced pagan religions, Saturninus arrived with one mission: to share the message of Jesus Christ (Gregory of Tours, 1885/1995). 2. Saint Saturninus as the First Bishop of Toulouse The Roman Catholic Church recognizes Saturninus as the first Bishop of Toulouse. He organized Christian groups, taught new believers, and served as a spiritual leader (Holweck, 1924). For example, Saturninus formed small Christian...

Image of Saint James of the Marches By Edward Matulanya  Here are Biography, Early life, history, Miracles, Veneration, Legacy, Feast day and Patronage of Saint James of the Marches. 1. Early Life and Background of Saint James of the Marches Saint James of the Marches was born Domenico Gangala in Monteprandone (in the March of Ancona, Italy), to a poor family (Catholic.com, n.d.). He was educated under his uncle, a priest, first in Offida and then in Ascoli Piceno (Santo Sepulcro, n.d.). He later studied civil and canon law at the University of Perugia and earned a doctorate (Catholic.com, n.d.). 2.  Saint James of the Marches  Joining the Franciscan Order On July 26, 1416, he joined the Order of Friars Minor at the Portiuncula chapel in Assisi and took the name James (Catholic.com, n.d.). He then completed his novitiate at a hermitage near Assisi and studied theology under St. Bernardine of Siena and St. John of Capistrano (Wikipedia, n.d.). He lived an austere life, fas...

Image of Saint Maximus of Riez By Edward Matulanya  Here are Biography, Early life, Leadership, Teaching, Significance, Miracles,  Legacy and Patronage of Saint Maximus of Riez. 1. Biography of Saint Maximus of Riez Saint Maximus of Riez was a 5th century bishop and monk known for shaping early Christian monastic life in Gaul (Daley, 1991). For e xample, He served as a spiritual role model during a turbulent time in late Roman Gaul. 2. Early Life and Spiritual Formation  of Saint Maximus of Riez Saint Maximus of Riez born into a wealthy Provençal family, Maximus chose a monastic path instead, joining the influential Lérins monastery under Saint Honoratus (Stancliffe, 1983). For e xample, His choice mirrors someone today deciding to pursue a life of service instead of luxury. 3. Maximus and the Monastic Tradition in Gaul At Lérins, Maximus helped develop a structured monastic lifestyle, influencing monks across southern Gaul (Wickham, 2009). For e xample, His community bec...