Diocese of Port Pirie PO Box 1206 Port Pirie South Australia 5540 30-Oct-14 SAINTS of the PORT PIRIE DIOCESE
Diocese of Port Pirie
PO Box 1206
Port Pirie South Australia 5540
30-Oct-14
SAINTS of the
PORT PIRIE
DIOCESE
Mary of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed Patron of our diocese when it
was established in 1887.
In teaching that Mary was conceived immaculate, the Catholic Church teaches that
from the very moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from all
stain of original sin. This simply means that from the beginning, she was in a state
of grace, sharing in God's own life, and that she was free from the sinful
inclinations which have beset human nature after the fall.
Feast day: 8 December
AGENCY SAINT FEAST DAY
St Joseph's Nursing Home Pt Pirie St Joseph 19 Mar
St Catherine’s Nursing Home Berri St Catherine 29 Apr
Star of the Sea Nursing Home Wallaroo Our Lady Star of the Sea 27 Sep
St Vincent de Paul Society St Vincent de Paul 27 Sep
BoysTown St John Baptist De La Salle 7 April
Centacare Catholic Family Services St Mary of the Cross 8 Aug
SCHOOL SAINT FEAST DAY
St Joseph's Barmera St Joseph 19 Mar
Our Lady of the River Berri St Joseph 19 Mar
St Joseph's Gladstone St Joseph 19 Mar
St James Jamestown St James the Apostle 25 Jul
St Albert's Loxton St Albert 15 Nov
St Joseph's Peterborough St Joseph 19 Mar
Caritas College Pt Augusta St Joseph 19 Mar
St Joseph’s Pt Lincoln St Joseph 19 Mar
St Mark's College Pt Pirie St Mark 25 Apr
St Mark's College Pt Pirie St Benedict 11 Jul
St Mark's College Pt Pirie St John Bosco 31 Jan
St Joseph's Renmark St Joseph 19 Mar
St Barbara's Roxby Downs St Barbara 4 Dec
St Mary MacKillop Wallaroo St Mary of the Cross 8 Aug
Samaritan College Whyalla Our Lady Help of Christians 24 May
Samaritan College Whyalla St Therese of Lisieux 1 Oct
Samaritan College Whyalla St John the Evangelist 27 Dec
Samaritan College Whyalla St Benedict 11 Jul
Samaritan College Whyalla Blessed Edmund Rice 5 May
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop was proclaimed Patron of our diocese by Bishop
Greg O’Kelly on the Feast of St Joseph, 19 March 2011.
It is for the life of holiness that she displayed that we consider Mary of the Cross so
appropriate as our Patron Saint. She was a Saint who traversed our roads and
tracks, got hot and dusty and tired as she went through our little towns, visiting the
schools and the families of the young women who had joined her as Sisters. We
have her letters written from many of our towns where she stayed overnight during
her visitations. Her life reminds us that holiness is not distant from our ordinary
lives, that a Saint is not one who has to live outside our shores, that the love of God
can transform anyone of us into a person of radiant sanctity, that the Gospel
message to serve Christ in the smallest of our brothers and sisters was able to be
exercised very much here in our land and our places by a woman now proclaimed
to be a Saint of the Universal Church, a model for all Christians. (Proclamation)
MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP (1842 – 1909) was born to Scottish Catholic immigrant parents in Fitzroy, Melbourne. From her often troubled and humble beginnings to the establishment of a school in a stable in Penola SA, Mary’s early life showed her great desire to do God’s will and help those in need. Together with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, she founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, a new form of religious life well suited to Australian conditions. Through all the trials and tribulations that came from her own family and from the Church, she never lost her belief in the God of life. Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Mary’s sainthood in Rome on 17 October 2010.
Patron: Sisters of St Joseph, Feast day: 8 August
School: St Mary MacKillop Wallaroo
AGATHA (died 251) was a virgin and martyr widely venerated in
Sicily. Legend has it that she was born into a wealthy family and
made a vow of virginity, which the Roman consul attempted to
violate; upon refusal, she was subjected to torture, including the
cutting off of her breasts; subsequently, however, she was
healed by a vision of the Apostle Peter. She is said to have died
in prison as a result of her sufferings. She is invoked against
diseases of the breast as well as against volcanic eruptions and
earthquakes. She is also patron saint of nurses and firefighters.
Feast day: 5 February Church: Narridy
AGNES (died ca. 305) was one of the most famous of the early
Roman martyrs. She was killed during the persecution of
Diocletian in what is now known as the Piazza Navona. Because
of the similarity of her name to the Latin word for lamb (agnus),
the lamb is depicted as her emblem. On her feast day in Rome,
there is a blessing of the lambs that produce the wool from
which the pallia for archbishops are woven by the nuns of St
Agnes’s convent. She is the patron saint of young girls.
Feast day: 21 January Church: Booleroo Centre
AIDAN (died 651) Monastic founder, bishop, and miracle worker known for his kindness to animals. Aidan was born in Connaught, Ireland. Aidan founded a monastery in Ferns, in Wexford and became bishop of the region as well. His miracles brought many to the Church. Aidan is represented in religious art with a stag. He is reported to have made a beautiful stag invisible to save it from hounds.
Feast day: 31 August Church: Colton
CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY
Renmark St Therese of the Child Jesus 1 Oct
St Columba (Closed)
Roxby Downs St Barbara 4 Dec
Snowtown St Canice 11 Oct
Spalding St Augustine 28 Aug
Streaky Bay St Canute 10 Jul
Terowie Sts Michael & John 29 Sep & 27 Dec
Tumby Bay St Leo 10 Nov
Waikerie St Thomas More 22 Jun
Wallaroo Star of the Sea 27 Sep
Warnertown Sts Gervase & Protase (Closed ) 19 Jun
Whyalla Our Lady Help of Christians 24 May
St Teresa 1 Oct
Whyte Yarcowie Sts Simon & Jude (Closed) 28 Oct
Wilmington St Alexis 17 Jul
St John Nepomucene 16 May
Willochra St Dominic 8 Aug
Willsdon St Paul (Closed) 29 Jun
Wirrabara St Augustine 28 Aug
Woomera St Michael 29 Sep
Wudinna St Anne 26 Jul
Yatina St Virgilius 27 Nov
Yongala Our Lady of Sorrows (Closed) 15 Sep
CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY
Morgan St Ursula 27 Jan
Mt Bryan St Brendan 16 May
Murray Town St Brigid 1 Feb
Nackara St Patrick 17 Mar
Narridy St Agatha (Closed) 5 Feb
Orroroo St Joseph 19 Mar
Paruna St Ailbe (Closed) 12 Sep
Pekina St Catherine 29 Apr
Peterborough St Anacletus 26 Apr
St Sebastian (Closed) 20 Jan
Petina St Brigid (Closed) 1 Feb
Port Augusta All Saints 1 Nov
Port Broughton St Margaret 16 Nov
Port Lincoln St Mary of the Angels 2 Aug
St Clare 11 Aug
St Francis of Assisi 4 Oct
Port Pirie St Mark 25 Apr
St Anthony of Padua 13 Jun
Our Lady of Fatima (Closed) 13 May
Quorn-Carrieton Immaculate Conception 8 Dec
Radium Hill St Barbara (Closed) 4 Dec
Redhill St Martin of Tours 11 Nov
AILBE (died ca.526) Bishop, is the patron saint of the diocese of
Imlech in County Tipperary, Ireland. He preached with such
power and authority that many were not only converted to
Christianity but were inspired by his example of Christian living
as well.
Feast day: 12 September Church: Paruna
ALBERT (1200-1280) Born near Ulm in Germany, sometimes called
The Great, was a highly respected Bishop, Doctor of the Church
and Dominican teacher and writer. He was Thomas Aquinas’
teacher and frequently defended his student against attacks on his
orthodoxy. Albert’s writing fills thirty-eight volumes and covers
subjects ranging from astronomy and chemistry to geography and
physiology. Albert is the patron saint of scientists, medical
technicians and students of the natural sciences.
Feast day: 15 November Church: Loxton
ALEXIS (4th – 5th century) the only son of a rich Roman
senator, on the day of his marriage felt called to give up his
wealth and honours and live in poverty in Syria. After seventeen
years, our Blessed Mother spoke telling people that this beggar
was very holy. To avoid acclaim, Alexis fled back to Rome and
lived, unrecognised, as a beggar in his parents’ home, going out
only to church and to teach children about God. After Alexis
died, his family found a note which told them who he was and
how he had lived his life of penance for the love of God. He is
the patron saint of beggars and pilgrims.
Feast day: 17 July Church: Wilmington
ANNE (1st century) The Gospel of St James (an unreliable,
second century document) has it that Anne and Joachim are the
parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Anne is the patron saint of
Canada and also childless women, expectant mothers, women in
labour, homemakers and cemeteries.
Feast day: 26 July Church: Wudinna
ANACLETUS (died ca. 92) Pope Anacletus, also known as Cletus,
was the third Bishop of Rome, following Saint Peter and Pope
Linus. Anacletus served as pope between c. 79 and his death, c.
92. St. Anacletus was traditionally understood to have been a
Roman who served as pope for twelve years.
Feast day: 26 April Church: Peterborough
ANTHONY OF PADUA (1195 – 1231), Franciscan friar and Doctor
of the Church, born in Lisbon of a noble Portuguese family, felt a
call to missionary work and is considered one of the greatest
preachers in the history of the Church. He is best known as the
one to whom one prays to find a lost article. He is the patron
saint of Brazil, Portugal, travellers, the poor, barren women and
harvests.
Feast day: 13 June Church: Solomontown, Pt Pirie
CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY
Elliston St Francis of Assisi 4 Oct
Farina St Brigid (Closed) 1 Feb
Georgetown Immaculate Heart of Mary 2 Jul
Gladstone St Peter 29 Jun
Gordon The Sacred Heart (Closed)
Gulnare South St Luke (Closed) 18 Oct
Hallett The Good Shepherd
Hawker Sts Philip & James 3 May & 25 Jul
Hammond St Dominic 8 Aug
Hookina St Thomas (Closed) 22 Jun
Iron Knob St Patrick (Closed) 17 Mar
Jamestown St James The Apostle 25 July
Kadina Sacred Heart
Kimba Sacred Heart
Kyancutta St Patrick 17 Mar
Lancelot St Celestine (Closed) 19 May
Laura St John the Evangelist 27 Dec
Leigh Creek The Good Shepherd 29 Apr
Lock St Martin De Porres 3 Nov
Loxton St Albert 15 Nov
Melrose St Clement (Closed) 23 Nov
Minnipa Christ The King
Moonta St Francis of Assisi 4 Oct
CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY
Appila St Philip & St James (Closed) 3 May & 25 Jul
Cathedral St Mark 25 Apr
Barmera St Francis Xavier 3 Dec
Bendleby St IsIdore (Closed) 4 Apr
Berri St Mary’s 8 Sep
Booborowie St Dymphna 30 May
Booleroo Centre St Agnes 21 Jan
Brinkworth Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (Closed) 27 Jun
Bute Our Lady of the Rosary 7 Oct
Burra (Kooringa) St Joseph 19 Mar
Calca Sacred Heart
Caltowie St Killian (Closed) 8 Jul
Carrieton St Raphael 29 Sep
Ceduna - Thevenard Our Lady Star of the Sea 27 Sep
Chandada St Michael 29 Sep
Cleve St Vincent De Paul 27 Sep
Colton St Aidan (Closed) 31 Aug
Coober Pedy Sts Peter & Paul 29 Jun
Cowell Our Lady Star of the Sea 27 Sep
Crystal Brook Holy Trinity 3 Jun
St John Francis Regis (Closed) 16 Jun
Cummins St Andrew 30 Nov
Cungena Holy Family
Dawson Our Lady of Mt Carmel (Closed) 6 Jul
ANDREW (died ca.70) was one of Jesus’ first disciples and one
of the twelve apostles. Born in Bethsaida, on the north east
shore of the Sea of Galilee, he was the brother of Simon Peter.
He is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece and also
of fishermen and sailors.
Feast day: 30 November Church: Cummins
AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354-430), bishop and Doctor of the
Church, son of St Monica, born in Algeria North Africa. In his
Confessions, which draw especially upon the Letters of St Paul to
the Galatians and to the Romans, we read of his conversion from a
hedonistic life. He was a distinguished theologian who influenced
the shape and character of Western theology and philosophy. He
is the patron saint of brewers, printers and theologians.
Feast day: 28 August Church: Spalding, Wirrabara
BARBARA (died ca. 303), an early Christian saint and martyr of
Nicomedia (Turkey). Her cult was popular in the later Middle Ages,
especially in France. According to legend, after her father killed
her for becoming a Christian, he was struck dead by lightning. That
is why she is the patron saint of those in danger of death by
lightning and also of fire fighters, artillerymen, stonemasons,
architects and builders (the last two because she is said to have
lived for a time in a tower).
Feast day: 4 December School: St Barbara’s Roxby Downs
Church: Radium Hill
BENEDICT (480 – 543)born in Nursia, Italy, is revered as Patron
of Europe. Following a period of student life in Rome he
withdrew to the caves of Subiaco to live as a hermit. It was not
long before shepherds came asking guidance of this holy man
and some monks prevailed upon him to be their leader.
Benedict began to form communities and many followers joined
him. At Monte Cassino he completed his Rule. The core of his
message is to ‘listen’ – with the ear of one’s heart, to God and to
each other.
Feast day: 11 July Patron: The Sisters of the Good Samaritan
Schools: St Mark’s College Pt Pirie, Samaritan College Whyalla
BRIGID (died ca. 525), along with Patrick, is patron saint of
Ireland. Born near Kildare, she is said to have been baptised by
Patrick himself. She established a monastery at Kildare which
later became a double monastery (for men and women) that
contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity throughout
the country. She is patron saint of Kildare, poets, scholars and
dairy workers.
Feast day: 1 February Church: Petina & Farina
Murray Town
BRENDAN (ca. 486 – 575) of Clonfert, was the founder of several Irish abbeys. The legendary story in The Navigation of St Brendan contributed greatly to his reputation as patron saint of sailors and whales.
Feast day: 16 May Church: Mt Bryan
CONGREGATION SAINT FEAST DAY
Jesuits Ignatius of Loyola 31 Jul
Francis Xavier 3 Dec
OLSH Sisters Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 12 Sep
Sisters of Mercy Venerable Catherine McAuley Nov 14
Sisters of the Good Samaritan Benedict 11 Jul
Sisters of Saint Joseph St Joseph, St Mary of the Cross 19 Mar & 8 Aug
Missionary Sisters of Service St John Vianney 4 Aug
Dominican Sisters St Dominic 8 Aug
TITLES OF OUR LADY CHURCH FEAST DAY
Immaculate Conception Quorn/Carrieton 8 Dec
Immaculate Heart of Mary Georgetown 28 Jun
St Mary’s Berri 8 Sep
St Mary of the Angels Port Lincoln 2 August
Our Lady Help of Christians Whyalla 24 May
Our Lady of Fatima Port Pirie 13 May
Our Lady of the River Riverland
Our Lady of the Rosary Bute 7 Oct
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Patron: OLSH Sisters 12 Sep
Our Lady of Sorrows Yongala 15 Sep
Our Lady Star of the Sea Wallaroo 27 Sep
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Dawson 16 Jul
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Brinkworth 27 June
TITLES OF OUR LORD CHURCH
Christ the King Minnipa
Good Shepherd Hallett & Leigh Creek
Holy Trinity Crystal Brook
Sacred Heart Calca, Gordon, Kadina & Kimba
CANICE (ca. late 5th century – early 6th century) According to
legend, Canice was born at Glengiven, Ireland. He became a
monk under St. Cadoc at Llancarfan, Wales, and was ordained
there. He preached for a time in Ireland, and then went to
Scotland. He was a most successful missionary, building a
monastery at Aghaboe, Ireland, and probably one at Kilkenny. He
is also known as Kenneth and Cainnech.
Feast day: 11 October Church: Snowtown
CANUTE (died 1086) the King of Denmark who lavished benefits
on the Church, but made two unsuccessful attempts to invade
England, whose throne he also claimed. He was killed when his
subjects rebelled against the heavy taxes he imposed. Canute is
the patron saint of Denmark.
Feast day: 10 July Church: Streaky Bay
CATHERINE OF SIENA (1347 – 1380) a reformer of popes, was
the first layperson and one of the first two women named a
Doctor of the Church. Deciding not to marry, she joined the third
order of Dominicans and after several years of solitude, prayer
and fasting she became involved in nursing the sick in a local
hospital. Later, with a disparate group of disciples she went on
journeys to call people to reform and repentance in the spirit of
Christ crucified. She is one of the patron saints of Italy and of all
of Europe.
Feast day: 29 April Church: Pekina,
Nursing Home: Berri
CATHERINE MCAULEY (1778 – 1841) was born in Dublin, Ireland.
She opened the first House of Mercy in Baggot Street in 1827 on
the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. Catherine's work with destitute
women, orphan girls, the hospitalised and incarcerated became
attractive to other women. The Religious Institute of the Sisters
of Mercy began in 1831. The sisters went out to the needy and
were dubbed the "walking nuns" of Dublin. In 1990, Pope John
Paul II declared Catherine McAuley "Venerable", the first stage
in the process of recognition of a saint.
Feast day: 14 November Patron: The Sisters of Mercy
CELESTINE (1210 – 1296) Pope Celestine V born in Sicily is one of
the few popes in history to have resigned his office only a few
months after his election at about the age of eighty-five. He
returned to his life as a Benedictine hermit, but under house
arrest lest his supporters try to make him a rival pope and create
a schism in the Church. He is the patron saint of bookbinders.
Feast day: 19 May Church: Lancelot
CLARE of ASSISI (1193 – 1253) is an Italian saint and one of the
first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of
Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the
Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life the first
monastic rule known to have been written by a woman.
Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her
honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today
as the Poor Clares. Clare is the patron of sore eyes.
Feast day: 11 August Church: Pt Lincoln
VINCENT DE PAUL (1581 – 1660) was ordained a priest
quite early at the age of 19. On a ship voyage he was
captured by pirates and sold as a slave, but was eventually
set free. He was chaplain to the galley slaves. In 1617 with
the help of St Louise de Marillac he founded the Daughters
of Charity and later became the leader of an Order of
priests whom we now call Vincentians who prepare young
men for the priesthood.
Feast day: 27 September Church: Cleve
Patron : Society of St Vincent de Paul
VIRGILIUS OF SALZBURG (ca.700 – 784) was an Irish churchman, an early astronomer, bishop of Ossory and later, bishop of Salzburg. He was called "the geometer".
Feast day: 27 November Church: Yatina
JOHN VIANNEY (1786 – 1859) priest, universally known as the Curé of Ars a remote French hamlet. His reputation as a confessor and spiritual director made him known throughout the Christian world. His life was filled with works of charity and love. He is the patron saint of priests.
Feast day: 4 August
Patron: Missionary Sisters of Service
URSULA (4th century) is thought to have been a British princess
who fled to Cologne to preserve her virginity and was
martyred there with some companions. She is patron saint of
archers, orphans and students.
Feast day: 21 October Church: Morgan
THERESE OF LISIEUX (1873 – 1897) Also known as the Little
Flower of Jesus. A Carmelite nun who devoted herself to God
at a young age. She lived a simple life and strived to do little
things well. Though she did not travel anywhere, because of
her prayer and strong support she is patron of the missions.
Feast day: 1 October Church: Renmark , Whyalla
School: Samaritan College Whyalla
THOMAS MORE (1478 – 1535) studied law, was a member of
parliament and Lord Chancellor to King Henry VIII. Thomas
More was the most famous victim of Henry’s persecution of
Catholics who refused to accept royal supremacy over the
Church in England. He was beheaded at Tower Hill London,
declaring that he was "The king’s good servant, but God's first".
He is the patron saint of lawyers.
Feast day: 22 June Church: Waikerie, Hookina
CLEMENT (died ca. 101) of Rome, is best known for his likely
authorship of the most important first century Christian
document outside the New Testament – a letter from the Church
of Rome to the Church in Corinth. Clement, one of the
presbyters in the many house churches of Rome, was charged
with corresponding with communities in other cities and
probably also with dispensing aid to those in need. He is patron
saint of marble workers and stonecutters.
Feast day: 23 November Church: Melrose
DOMINIC (ca. 1170 – 1221) born in Castile-Leon, Spain, was a
priest and the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).
The spread of the rosary as a popular devotion is attributed to
the preaching of St Dominic. He is the patron saint of the
Dominican Republic and also of astronomers.
Feast day: 8 August Patron : The Dominican Sisters
Church: Hammond, Willochra
DYMPHNA (7th century) an Irish woman who is said to have
been murdered by her own father after she fled to Belgium to
escape his advances. She is the patron saint of the mentally ill
and of sleepwalkers.
Feast day: 30 June Church: Booborowie
EDMUND RICE (1762 – 1844) missionary and educationalist,
was born in Ireland at a time when Catholics faced oppression
enforced by the British penal laws. He forged a successful
career in business and, after a tragic accident which killed his
wife and left his daughter disabled, devoted his life to providing
education to boys from needy families, servicing the poor and
the Irish republican cause. He was Founder of the Christian
Brothers.
Feast day: 5 May Patron: Samaritan College, Whyalla.
FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1181 – 1226) patron saint of animals and
the environment, founded the Franciscan Order. He took the
gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did. Convinced
that violence and war were wrong, St. Francis believed in
peaceful dialogue with all our brothers and sisters and with the
whole of creation. He calls us to be instruments of peace and
healing.
Feast day: 4 October Church: Elliston, Moonta
FRANCIS XAVIER (1506 – 1552) was born in Navarre in Spain,
met Ignatius of Loyola in Paris and became one of the original
group of seven Jesuits who were ordained priests in Venice in
1537. Francis was one of the greatest missionaries in the
history of the Church. He is patron saint of the foreign missions
and is also known as “apostle of the Indies and of Japan.”
Feast day: 3 December Patron: Jesuits
Church: Barmera
RAPHAEL (from the Hebrew, “God heals”) one of the seven
archangels “who stand before the Lord” (Tob 3: 12, 15),
healed Tobit’s blindness and provided Sarah with a husband
(Tob 3:16-17). He is God’s messenger who hears people’s
prayers and brings these before God. He is depicted as the
patron saint of travellers, physicians, nurses, lovers, health
inspectors and the sightless.
Feast day: 29 September Church: Carrieton
SEBASTIAN (died ca. 300) was martyred under Diocletian
and buried on the Appian Way close to the site where a
basilica was erected in his honour. He is usually depicted
being pierced with arrows which, according to legend, did
not kill him. He is regarded as the patron saint of archers,
physicians, athletes and local police and is invoked against
plagues.
Feast day: 20 January Church: Peterborough
SIMON (1st century) was one of the twelve apostles. His
nickname was the Cananaean, Aramaic for “Zealot”. His
zeal may have been on behalf of Israel’s independence or
for the law. According to tradition, he engaged in missions
to Egypt and Persia, where he and Jude were martyred
together on the same day.
Feast day: 28 October Church: Whyte Yarcowie
PHILIP (1st century) was one of the original twelve apostles and,
with James, is the patron saint of Uruguay. He came from
Bethsaida in Galilee. At the feeding of the five thousand, it is
Philip who points out to Jesus that they have only two hundred
denarii worth of bread and this would not be enough to feed
the crowd. He is listed among those who were in the upper
room awaiting the Spirit at Pentecost.
Feast day: 3 May Church: Appila, Hawker
PETER (died ca. 64) A native of Bethsaida, near the Sea of Galilee, his original name was Simon. He was son of Jonah and brother of Andrew and they were fishermen. Simon, the first to be called by Jesus, was given a new name – Cephas or Peter which means “rock”. Peter had a special role within the company of Jesus’ disciples – as chief apostle, one of the three closest to Jesus, as chief witness of Jesus and the “rock” on which Jesus would build his church. Peter travelled to Rome, is regarded as the first Bishop of Rome and was martyred there.
Feast day: 29 June Church: Gladstone, Coober Pedy
PEDRO CALUNGSOD (1654 – 1672) martyr, is the second Filipino saint after San Lorenzo Ruiz. As skilled catechists, he and Diego Luis de San Vitores prepared many for the sacraments, especially baptism. They were both killed while doing missionary work in Guam. Pedro Calungsod is the patron of youth, Overseas Filipino Workers and altar servers. The Jesuits celebrate his feast with Diego Luis de San Vitores on 21 October.
Feast day: 2 April Patron: Filipino Communities
IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (1491 – 1556) born in the Basque region
of Spain, the youngest of 13 children, he became a soldier of
Spain to fight against the French. After a cannon ball and a
series of bad operations ended his military career, Ignatius
read the lives of the saints and decided to dedicate himself to
becoming a soldier of the Catholic Faith. After travelling and
studying in different schools, he finished in Paris, where he
received his degree at the age of 43. Along with Francis Xavier
and seven other students he started the Society of Jesus or the
Jesuits in 1534.
Feast day: 31 July Patron: Jesuits
GERVASE and PROTASE (2nd Century) twin
brothers, are venerated as the first
Christian martyrs of Milan. They are the
patron saints of Milan and of haymakers
and are invoked for the discovery of
thieves.
Feast day: 19 June Church: Warnertown
ISIDORE (1070 – 1130) the Farmer, is the patron saint of Madrid, farmers and labourers. Born in Madrid, he worked as a farm labourer all his life. His life, although lived in obscurity, was marked by many devotional practices and generosity to the poor. His incorrupt remains lie in the church of St Andrew, Madrid.
Feast day: 15 May Church: Bendelby
JAMES the APOSTLE (died ca. 44) often called 'The Great', and
his brother John the Evangelist were sons of Zebedee and
Salome. James and John were fishing when Jesus approached
them to come and follow him. He was present at many of Jesus'
miracles, at the Transfiguration and at his death. James' mother
asked for her sons to have a place of honour in Jesus' future
Kingdom. After Pentecost, James preached in Spain and then
returned to Jerusalem where he is believed to be the first of the
apostles to be martyred.
Feast day: 25 July Church: Jamestown, Appila & Hawker
School: Jamestown
JOHN the EVANGELIST (died ca. 101), one of the disciples of
Jesus who preferred to refer to himself not by name but as "the
disciple whom Jesus loved." John is credited with writing the
Gospel of John. He was present at the crucifixion of Jesus with
Mary and the other women. He was asked by Jesus to care for
Mary as he would his own mother. He was the only one of the
apostles to die not of martyrdom but of old age.
Feast day: 27 December, Church: Laura, Terowie
School: Samaritan College Whyalla
JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (1651 – 1719) was born at Rheims, France, the eldest of ten children in a noble family. John was known for his work with the poor and was very involved in the education of poor children. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers), established schools, teacher colleges and reform schools for boys. He is the patron of teachers.
Feast day: 7 April Patron: BoysTown
MICHAEL the Archangel, the leader of the ranks of angels
and the guardian and protector of the people of Israel. He is
venerated as the head of the heavenly armies and as patron
saint of soldiers and police officers.
Feast day: 29 September
Church: Chandada, Woomera & Terowie
PATRICK (ca. 389 – ca. 461) the “apostle to” and patron saint of
Ireland and Nigeria. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick was captured
by Irish pirates while in his mid-teens, sold and kept as a slave
herding livestock for six years. He either escaped or was freed
and returned home a much changed person. He trained for the
priesthood and was appointed successor to the first bishop of
Ireland. From his base in the north, at Armagh, he undertook
missionary journeys and was hugely successful in making
converts, ordaining clergy and consecrating virgins. His writings
reveal his sincere simplicity and deep pastoral concern.
Feast day: 17 March Church: Kyancutta, Nackara & Iron Knob
PAUL (ca. 5 – ca. 67) born in Tarsus in Asia Minor, was known
as the “apostle to the Gentiles.” He received a Greek and
Jewish education and probably possessed Roman citizenship. A
self-described Pharisee, he was zealous in his persecution of
the early disciples of Jesus. After his profound experience of
conversion on the road to Damascus he heard the call to
preach the Risen Christ to the Gentiles. During demanding
missionary journeys, Paul wrote letters to various communities.
He is patron saint of Greece and Malta.
Feast day: 29 June Church: Coober Pedy, Willsdon
MARTIN DE PORRES (1579 – 1639) is the patron saint of race
relations and of social justice. He was born in Lima Peru to a
Spanish knight and a freed slave from Panama. He became a
Dominican lay brother, devoting himself to the care of the sick
and the poor, regardless of race, and to menial tasks in the
monastery. He gained a reputation for spiritual insight and for
the power of healing. He committed himself to a life of prayer
and rigorous penances.
Feast day: 3 November Church: Lock
MARTIN OF TOURS (ca. 316 – 397) is a patron saint of France
and was founder of monasticism in France. He was born in
Sabaria – a territory that is now part of Hungary. While still a
catechumen , he refused any military service as a matter of
conscience and was imprisoned. In 360 Martin was given land at
Liguge on which to live as a hermit. Disciples joined him there,
forming the first monastery in all of France. He was popularly
acclaimed bishop of Tours in 372 but continued to live as a
monk.
Feast day: 11 November Church: Redhill
MARK (died ca. 74) was associated with the growth of the early
Church, accompanying the Apostle Paul on his first missionary
journey, and later travelling with him to Rome. The second
Gospel is attributed to him. According to ancient tradition, Mark
was the first to preach Christ in Egypt. His emblem, the lion, is
one of 'the four living creatures' mentioned in the Book of
Revelation.
Feast day: 25 April Church: Cathedral Pt Pirie
School: St Mark’s College Pt Pirie
JOHN BOSCO (1815 – 1888) Italian educator and writer who
became a priest, and a friend and father to thousands of poor,
neglected boys for whom he provided education and a place
where they could feel at home. His work of Christian
education spread to many countries of Europe and South
America during his own life time. John Bosco founded the
Order of priests and brothers known as the Salesians, after
Saint Francis de Sales whom he adopted as his role model.
Feast day: 31 January Patron: St Mark’s College Pt Pirie
JOHN FRANCIS REGIS (1597 – 1640), was a French Jesuit who
spent most of his priestly life as a missionary among those who
had lapsed from the faith during the Wars of Religion between
the Calvinists and Catholics. He is patron saint of social
workers and of marriage.
Feast day: 16 June Church: Crystal Brook
JOHN NEPOMUCENE (1350 – 1393) was a martyr and is the
patron saint of the Czech Republic. He is also the patron saint
of confessors and those who have been slandered. In his early
childhood, he was cured of a disease through the prayers of his
good parents. In thanksgiving, they consecrated him to the
service of God. After he was ordained, he was sent to a parish
in the city of Prague. He became a great preacher, and
thousands of those who listened to him changed their way of
life.
Feast day: 16 May Church: Wilmington
JUDE (1st century) one of the twelve apostles, best known as the
patron saint of hopeless causes as well as of hospitals. There are
three brief mentions of him in the New Testament: Luke 6:16,
John 14:22 and Acts 1:13.
Feast day: 28 October Church: Whyte Yarcowie
KILLIAN (died 689) an Irish monk who went to the continent,
became Bishop of Wurzburg, and was murdered after a dispute
with the King over the propriety of his marriage to his widowed
sister-in-law. Killian is the principal patron saint of Bavaria.
Feast day: 8 July Church: Caltowie
JOSEPH (1st century) husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus,
loved and protected his family. While Joseph was a carpenter
and a working man, he came from royal lineage. He was a
descendant of David, the great king of Israel. Joseph is the
patron of the dying as it is assumed he died before Jesus' public
life, with Jesus and Mary close to him. Joseph is also patron of
the universal Church, fathers, carpenters and social justice.
Feast day: 19 March Church: Burra & Orroroo
Schools: Barmera, Gladstone, Peterborough, Port Lincoln &
Renmark
Nursing Home: Port Pirie Patron: Sisters of St Joseph
LEO the Great (died 461) pope and Doctor of the Church,
was born in Rome of Tuscan parents. He was elected to the
papacy while still a deacon and while away in France on a
diplomatic mission. He was a strong advocate of papal
authority and of the teachings of the Council of Chalcedon
on the humanity and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Feast day: 10 November Church: Tumby Bay
LUKE, Evangelist (1st century) is the traditional author of the
Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles and was a fellow
worker of St Paul and companion on his missionary
journeys. He was considered to be a Syrian physician from
Antioch who wrote his gospel in Greece. Luke’s writings
underscore the love and compassion of Christ and his
concern for the poor. Luke is patron saint of physicians.
Feast day: 18 October Church: Gulnare South
MARGARET (1046 – 1093), queen and patron saint of
Scotland. Probably born in Hungary where her father had
taken refuge from the Danish rule in England and returned
to England with her parents before the Norman Conquest in
1066. For safety she went to Scotland where she married
king Malcolm III ca. 1070. She used her influence to
promote the reform of the church in Scotland, founded
monasteries and provided lodgings for pilgrims. Margaret
was devoted to her children and to the poor, but also found
time for a rich prayer life.
Feast day: 16 November Church: Pt Broughton