FORWARD

In writing this volume, the purpose has been to acquaint our children with biographies that will have some particular influence on the development of their characters. Each story has been planned as a real character-training project, not merely as a reading lesson to inspire admiration for faith and religious heroism.

To accomplish this purpose, we have endeavored to stimulate interest in each saint by presenting him or her as a real human being who lived in a real world among real people and not as a superbeing surrounded by miraculous wonders. We have tried to make the saints human, admirable and lovable, and therefore imitable. In order that children may learn that sanctity is not confined to any special nation or historical period, or time of life, or social or financial condition, saints have been chosen from various nations, from all periods of time, from all ages of life, and from all strata of society. Practically every type of sainthood is represented, from the martyr who shed his blood for Christ to the young Sister who did just the little things of life but did them well.

Each story is intended to bring out one or more situations in which the saint's virtue is emphasized. It is sincerely hoped that teachers will take advantage of these situations to develop similar virtues in those entrusted to their care.

Contents:

1 Saint Cecelia
2 Saint Sebastian
3 Saint Agnes
4 Saint Monica
5 Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland
6 Saint Columba
7 Saint Boniface
8 Saint Thomas a Becket
9 Saint Francis of Assisi
10 Saint Hedwig
11 Saint Hyacinth
12 Saint Louis, King of France
13 Saint Gertrude
14 Saint John Nepomucene
15 Joan of Arc, the Savior of France
16 Blessed Thomas More
17 Saint Francis Xavier
18 Saint Aloysius
19 Saint Vincent de Paul
20 Saint Isaac Jogues
21 Saint Gerard Majella
22 The Cure of Ars
23 Blessed Theophane Venard
24 Father Damien, the Martyr of Molokai
25 Saint Therese, the Little Flower
TO THE CHILDREN

Dear Boys and Girls :

Sometimes our boys and girls have strange ideas about the saints. They think that God made them so different from other people that it is quite difficult to imitate them. Many, too, have the idea that saints lived only in the early ages of the Church. They never imagine that saints were real people, living in a real world in every age and in every nation.

We have written these stories to give you a better and truer idea of the saints. They were real human, beings who were once boys and girls like you, who enjoyed playing the games of their day just as much as you enjoy playing your games to-day. Some were rich, others poor. Some were of noble birth, others came from humble families. Some died young, others lived to old age. Some belonged to one nation, some to another. Some lived in the times of long ago, others lived in our own day. Some did great deeds in the service of God, others did the little things but did them well.

All this is to show you that saints do not belong to any special class of society or time in history. They are found in all states of life and in all ages of the world. A man can be a saint in almost any walk of life at any time.

Sanctity in our holy Church is not measured by wealth or position, by glory or power, but by a life well spent in the service of our God.

We hope these stories will help you to know and love the saints and inspire you to imitate them in their love and devotion for our divine Savior.

SAINT CECILIA

(Died 230)

1. THE DAYS OF PERSECUTION

For almost three hundred years after the death of our Lord, the church suffered bitterly from persecutions on the part of the pagans. Things became so dreadful that it meant death to be a Christian. The powerful pagan government of Rome did all that it could to stamp out the first seeds of Christianity.

It became impossible for the followers of Christ to worship above ground. They dug long, narrow, secret passages, called catacombs, under the ground, where they held their sacred services. Before sunrise the Christians hurried cautiously through the winding streets and along the Appian Road to the catacombs of St. Callixtus. Here Mass was celebrated and Holy Communion given by the bishop or a priest helping him. Mass was usually followed by a short sermon and a few hymns. Before the people of Rome were roused from their slumbers, the faithful were hastening back to their homes in the city.

2. CECILIA BECOMES ENGAGED

It was during these sad days of persecution that Cecilia lived. Hers was one of the great families of Rome, being both noble and wealthy. Cecilia's father was an honorable pagan, admired and respected by all who knew him. He never interfered with the faith of his wife, who was a devout Christian, and he even arranged to have his servants accompany St. Cecilia and her mother to the Christian meetings so that they would run no risk of being taken by the Roman soldiers.

Cecilia was the idol of his heart. With pride he watched her grow from babyhood and childhood to a charming young lady of seventeen. His friends had often remarked to him about the grace and beauty of his daughter, hinting that their sons would like to seek her hand in marriage. But the careful father turned them aside, one by one, till Valerian came.

Like Cecilia, Valerian was of noble birth and he owned vast estates. He was a virtuous pagan, some years older than Cecilia. The father of the charming maiden liked him and thought that he would be a most acceptable husband for his daughter. Valerian was delighted. He had succeeded where so many others had failed.

When Cecilia heard of her father's plans, her heart almost stopped beating. She had no intention of marrying any man, but she dared not offend her father, who seemed so happy in the choice. The poor girl made no answer to her father's proposal. Hurrying to her room, she burst into tears. She sobbed and sobbed as if her heart were broken.

After some time, Cecilia calmed herself and sought help in prayer. "0 dear Lord," she said, "what shall I do ? To please You and Your holy Mother, I have vowed to live a virgin all my life. If I tell this to my father, he will be angry and will become bitter against our holy faith. My vow I shall never break. Tell me, O Lord, what am I to do ? "

The sweet voice of her guardian angel whispered : "Trust in God. All things will be done according to His divine will."

Relying on the help of God, St. Cecilia wiped away her tears. Lest her parents might see her flushed cheeks, she strolled through the gardens that surrounded the palace. No more tears were shed. There were no more pangs of sorrow.

3. THE WEDDING FEAST

The busy days just before the wedding were soon at hand. The proud father of Cecilia was determined that no Roman bride should surpass his daughter in glory on her wedding day. Money was spent lavishly. The palace was decorated with rich draperies scented with the choicest perfumes from Arabia. Flowers from the royal gardens were placed about the halls in golden vases. Delicious wines, fruits, vegetables, and meats were prepared.

The great day arrived. Guests in their silks and satins were met at the gates by torchbearers, and escorted to the palace. Dressed in flowing robes of cloth of gold and decked with precious jewels, Cecilia became the bride of Valerian.

African slaves moved silently about the banquet hall, carrying golden dishes with their tasty foods. Choice wines were freely poured into shining goblets. The hearty laughter of the Romans grew louder and louder as they drank to the health of the bride.

4. CECILIA TELLS HER SECRET

The parents of the bride were delighted. Valerian was the happiest man in the world. Cecilia, however , was nervous. She knew that she must tell her husband about her vow. She whispered a word at the table and she and her husband arose to make room for some of the other guests. Arm in arm, they walked across the gleaming marble floor and out into the garden.

Once in the garden they strolled among the rose bushes. Cecilia led the way to a bench where they could talk alone.

"Valerian," she began, " I have a secret to tell you, but swear to me that you will tell no one what I say ."

Valerian, with a look of surprise, gazed into the beautiful face of his wife. He saw that she was very much in earnest. " I promise to tell no one," he said.

" I am a Christian," she said, " a loyal follower of the Savior Who died on Calvary for you and me. To Him, I have promised to be a virgin all the days of my life and He has sent an angel to guard and protect me. These many months, I have prayed for you, asking God to grant that you, too, might see the truth as I see it."

Valerian had never heard such things before. For a moment he did not know what to say. Then he spoke: "Where is this guardian angel that you speak about ? Show him to me."

"0 Valerian," she answered, "that holy spirit would never appear to pagan eyes." She saw that her husband was becoming interested. She told him how much her religion meant to her. She said that it had woven itself around every action in her life. " I would sooner die a thousand deaths than give it up," she cried.

" I should like to know more about this religion that you love so dearly. Perhaps I, too, could become a Christian," answered Valerian.

5. AT THE CATACOMBS

Cecilia was delighted. She explained to her husband that on that very night there would be a special meeting of the Christians at the catacombs on the Appian Way. She whispered to him the password and told him to hasten thither .

Without much difficulty, he found the secret place some miles beyond the gates of Rome. A Christian stood guard, ready to give the alarm of approaching danger. Valerian gave the password to the guard and was taken to Pope Urban. When the pope heard that the visitor came from Cecilia, he raised his eyes to heaven and, clasping his hands, murmured, " Thanks be to God."

That night God allowed a great miracle to take place. In a vision, Valerian saw St. Paul with an open book in his hand standing beside Pope Urban. "Read these words," said St. Paul, showing the book to Valerian."

The visitor read, " One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all and in us all."

"Do you believe'!" asked the vision.

Cecilia's prayers were answered, for at that moment the grace of God entered the soul of Valerian, and he answered, " I believe."

The vision then disappeared.

With a lighted taper in his hand, Pope Urban led Valerian down the long flight of stairs carved in the hard clay. Then they walked through long, narrow, twisting passages that never saw the light of day. The sides of the walls were covered with white slabs of marble, enclosing niches in which were buried the bodies of Christians.

Valerian grew nervous as his companion kept walking on through the low, black corridors. The faint sound of music was heard. It grew louder and louder as they proceeded. At last they entered a large room far below the surface of the earth, with no windows and no lights, except the faint smoky flames from tiny oil lamps that were hung about the walls.

A priest in his sacred vestments was standing at the altar, giving a sermon to the faithful. Valerian paused to listen. The preacher warned the people that a new persecution was breaking out. He pleaded with them to remain faithful to Christ to the end, picturing for them an eternal happiness in God's kingdom. The simple, earnest words touched the soul of Valerian.

When the sermon. was finished, Pope Urban beckoned Valerian to follow him into another smaller room. Here the earthen walls were covered with crude pictures of our Lord and the saints. These were painted on the plaster that had been placed on the rough walls. There was only one chair in the room and a plain, marble bench near the altar. Urban sat upon this and invited his companion to sit on the step of the altar.

6. VALERIAN IS BAPTIZED

The kind old bishop stroked his long, gray beard as he explained the teachings of the church to Valerian. His voice was soft and low. There was something about him that inspired love and confidence in the pagan who sat at his feet. By the grace of God, the words of the bishop brought light to the Roman's mind. His soul was flooded with grace, and he fell on his knees before the successor of St. Peter and cried out, " I believe, O Urban, I believe."

The venerable pope bowed his head. Tears of joy trickled down his wrinkled. cheeks and a fervent prayer fell from his trembling lips. God had granted the wish of St. Cecilia.

Valerian's heart was happy, both for his own sake and the sake of his lovely bride. He was led to the crude baptismal fount that one of the converts had carved from a white marble column. The angels of heaven rejoiced when the saving words of baptism were pronounced over him.

Urban embraced his new disciple with the affection of a father.

"My son," he said, "you are now a follower of Christ, the God-Man who died on Calvary for the souls of men. With a brave heart may you go forth from this sacred meeting place, determined to help others receive the priceless gift that you have received this morning. May the grace of God be with you and encourage you in the trying days that are to come."

The pope brought Valerian back to the large chapel that they had left some time before. The air was heavy with the smoke from the olive-oil lamps. Two wax candles in earthenware holders burned upon the stone table that served as an altar. The tinkling of the bell had just announced the consecration of the Mass. Fifty heads were bowed in silent adoration. For the first time in his life, Valerian knelt before the altar and adored Jesus, his God.

After Mass, Valerian was introduced to the other Christians. The men embraced him and the women gave a smile of welcome. They had all prayed for the conversion of the husband of their friend, Cecilia.

7. HOME AGAIN

It was just before sunrise when Valerian left the catacombs. He had spent the night with the faithful friends of Cecilia and promised to live and die with them. His anxiety to tell the good news to his wife hastened his steps. He was truly proud of his new-found faith, proud that he adored the same God as Cecilia.

As he entered the garden surrounding his home, everything was silent. A few hours before, that palace was aglow with lights and ringing with mirth and laughter. Now, not even a leaf on the tall oak trees was stirring.

The servants had left a few oil lamps burning dimly in the great reception room. Fearing to disturb the household, Valerian tiptoed through the hall to a richly decorated parlor. As he drew aside the heavy blue draperies, he saw his beautiful bride, still clad in her wedding dress, kneeling in prayer before a crucifix hanging on the wall. Her delicate, white hands were clasped upon her breast. Her eyes were raised toward heaven. How lovely, how pure, how good she looked that morning !

Valerian held his breath, lest he might startle his holy bride. He did not wish to intrude upon such a sacred scene, but to withdraw was impossible. Silent and still as a statue, Valerian waited for Cecilia to finish her prayers. She prayed aloud: " O sweet Jesus, from the bottom of my heart I thank Thee for the conversion of Valerian. He is one of us now. Together, night and day, we shall work for Thy holy cause."

8. THE MYSTERY CLEARS

Valerian was dumbfounded. " How did she find out about my conversion ?" he wondered. "Surely no messenger came before me to the house to tell her." In his surprise, he forgot himself and coughed.

Cecilia was startled. Her face turned pale. She jumped to her feet and turned to glance at the intruder. When she saw Valerian, she threw herself into his arms and cried with joy: " Thank God, it is you. O Valerian, you can never imagine how happy I am to know that you are a Christian. Ever since you asked to marry me, I have prayed night and day for your conversion. Now we can face the whole world together and fight for the cause of Christ."

"But my beloved," asked Valerian, "how do you know that I am a Christian? Has someone been here before me with the good news?"

" As soon as you left," she answered, " I placed that crucifix on the wall and I have knelt before it in prayer ever since. Our dear Lord let me know how His grace and the kind words of the bishop were affecting your soul. At the moment of your baptism, my guardian angel appeared to me and told me the joyful news."

"What does your guardian angel look like?", asked Valerian. "I should be glad -" The sentence was never finished. A golden bright light shone in the room and in the midst of it appeared a beautiful angel in snow-white robes. A feeling of terror crept over Valerian, but Cecilia placed her arm in his and assured him that the sudden visitor was her guardian angel. The angel spoke kindly to the happy couple. He placed sparkling golden crowns upon their heads to show that they both would be crowned martyrs in heaven. Turning to the surprised husband, the angel said: " God promises to grant anything that you wish for. Name your desire and it will be granted."

"God could grant me no greater favor," said Valerian, "than to give my twin brother the gift of faith."

A short time later Valerian stood beside the baptismal fount as the bishop poured the holy waters of baptism over Tiberius, his twin brother .

9. ZEALOUS APOSTLES

God's blessing rested on the home of Valerian and Cecilia. I twas an earthly paradise, with the saintly wife as its queen and her husband as its king. The servants were treated with a kindness that had never been heard of before. Cecilia meekly went among them, teaching them about Jesus and His holy church.

Sometimes the Christians gathered secretly in the house for the celebration of the Mass. On those occasions, the priest always preached to them a short sermon on Jesus, the miracle worker of Galilee.

Valerian and Tiberius became zealous workers in the church. They gave money generously for the care of the poor, suffering Christians. Secret messages were sent to the Christians through them because they were, never suspected of being followers of Christ. With little danger, therefore, they visited those who were imprisoned for their faith and gave them a word of cheer, urging them to remain loyal and true to the religion of Jesus Christ. Many a wavering soul was saved by their kind encouragement. At times these holy men, unknown to the guards, brought Holy Communion to those who were to be put to death for the faith.

Things had been going along quietly for several months and no eye of suspicion had been cast at the twin brothers. As they were men of wealth and prominence, the Roman soldiers always saluted them. All the prisons and courts were open to them, because they were looked upon as noble pagans wandering about to satisfy their curiosity.

10. CONDEMNED

But alas, some vile enemy betrayed them to the Roman police as being Christians. They were arrested and cast into the gloomy jails that they had visited so often. The greedy soldiers gloated over their rich prize. The officers were soon debating how they would divide the riches of their prisoners. All Rome gossiped about the sad plight of Valerian and Tiberius.

The brothers were hailed before a stern Judge, who demanded that they offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. On their refusal they were beaten with lashes. Bruised and bleeding, they fearlessly defied the judge.

"Our heads will never bow before a god of bronze or stone," they cried. " Our God is a living God and Him alone do we adore."

Shouts of " Death! Death! " rose from the rabble that attended the trial. The judge bowed his approval and the prisoners were led off to death. They had known Christ but a short time and now they were to suffer death for Him and receive His crown of glory.

The prefect of Rome and his friends rejoiced in the approaching death of these two wealthy Christians. They made hurried plans for the division of the brothers' riches among themselves. But Valerian and his brother, knowing that their death was certain, gave their palace to Cecilia and the rest of their wealth to Christian friends to be used for the poor. When the prefect found this out, he was enraged. His plans had come to nothing.

11. CECILIA JOINS THE MARTYRS

But these bloodthirsty men were not finished with their wicked work. They decided to arrest Cecilia as a Christian and to take whatever she owned. Forcing their way into her home, they dragged her out and cast her in a filthy prison as if she were a criminal.

Everyone who knew the charming Christian widow loved her. The prefect was, therefore, timid about condemning her to death. In various ways he tried to coax her to give up her faith and turn to the pagan gods of Rome.

" Cecilia will never offer sacrifice to false gods," she exclaimed. " I have pledged my soul to the great God Who, in the days of old, walked the earth with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Throughout my life I have served His divine Son Who died on Calvary's cross for the love of you and me. Shall I fall down and adore a piece of marble ? Shall I burn incense before an image of stone ? Never ! No, never! "

" But remember," said the judge, " unless you do as I ask, I shall be forced to condemn you to suffering and, perhaps -"

Cecilia did not give him a chance to finish. " There is no punishment in your power that can make me deny the Lord Jesus Christ," she said. " I have loved and served Him till now and I shall continue to do so till death. Let the law take its course. The Christian asks for no mercy ."

If Cecilia had had any chance of escaping death I before, she had none after this speech. The judge condemned her to be steamed to death in her own home. The brave girl was hurried to her palace during the night and locked in a room used for steam baths. All night scalding steam was poured into this room, but it had no effect on Cecilia.

The judge was both surprised and angry when he found that his prisoner still lived. He sent one of the soldiers to the house to behead her. Only three blows of the sword were allowed by the Roman law. The blows fell upon the neck of the condemned girl but they did not cut the head from the body. The soldier placed his bloody sword in its scabbard and returned to report to the prefect.

For several days the saint lay dying. Drop by drop, she was shed.ding her blood for the sake of Jesus Christ. The Christians came to visit her and to receive a smile or a word of encouragement to keep up the good fight. She gave all her wealth to the poor, suffering Christians of Rome, begging God to bless them and help them. Slowly her strength gave out with the loss of blood.

" How sweet it is to die for the Lord," she whispered faintly and closed her eyes in death.

The body of St. Cecilia was buried in the catacombs. Several hundred years later, the grave was opened and the body was found to be just as beautiful as when it was first buried. It was then placed in a marble tomb in the church of St. Cecilia.

TRUE OR FALSE

Number a paper from 1 to 12. After each number write T if the statement to which it corresponds is true; write F if the statement is false.

1. The early Christians had beautiful churches.
2. The catacombs were built underground.
3. Cecilia's father was a pagan.
4. Cecilia had a fine wedding.
5. Valerian was not surprised when he heard Cecilia's secret.
6. Valerian saw Pope Urban holding a book.
7. Pope Urban led the way with a lamp.
8. On the night of her wedding, Cecilia told Valerian her secret.
9. Valerian was proud of his faith.
10. An angel told Cecilia about the conversion of Valerian.
11. Cecilia treated her servants harshly.
12. She was steamed to death.