Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
The Apostle of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Born: 22 July, 1647 in L’Hautecour, Burgundy, France
- Died: 17 October, 1690 at Paray-le-Monial
- Canonized: 1920 by Pope Benedict XV
Saints are the heroes of the Catholic faith. They lived lives in holiness, dedicated to serving God and spreading His message of salvation. Indeed, many Catholic saints courageously met their deaths simply because of their faith.
Today, the saints serve as examples for all Catholics, showing us how to lead a more satisfying, more spiritual life in communion with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They are reminders that this life will come to an end, and only what was done for Christ will have a lasting reward. Each saint’s story is a fascinating one.
They lived at different times in different places throughout history, but they all shared a love of God that has been meticulously documented through the teachings of the Catholic Church. View our comprehensive documentation, from the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Saints, to St Anthony of Padua, and other saints who serve as theologians and doctors of the Church.
When we pray to the saints, we're simply asking the saints to help us, by praying to God on our behalf—just like we ask our friends and family to do so—or thanking the saints for having already done so. We ask Saints to help us they are closer to god.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
The Apostle of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
October 16
Her feast day is celebrated on October 16. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Roman Catholic Visitation nun and mystic, is greatly recognized for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Patron Saint of those
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus wants us to bring our worries to him, to unburden ourselves. He tells us that we are making life too complicated by worrying about unimportant things. If we worry less and focus on his love for us, we will be happier.
(Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
O Holy Visitandine, to hear your name is to recall the Sacred Heart Devotion, especially as practiced on First Fridays and in making reparation for sins. From early youth you dedicated yourself to Jesus and you exhibited fervent love for him in the Eucharist. You became his chosen vessel to spread the devotion to the Sacred heart which has done wonders in modern times. Make all of us realize ever more Christ’s words: “Behold this Heart that has so greatly loved people.”
Amen
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Sacred Heart of Jesus, I implore you to help me simplify my life, worry less, and be concerned about what is really important in life—living for the good of others.
(Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
The Egyptian Martyr
November 25
One of the most popular early Christian martyrs and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (a group of Roman Catholic saints venerated for their power of intercession).
Patron Saint
She is the patron of
The pursuit of God’s wisdom may not lead to riches or earthly honors. In Catherine’s case, this pursuit contributed to her martyrdom. She was not, however, foolish in preferring to die for Jesus rather than live only by denying him. All the rewards that her tormentors offered her would rust, lose their beauty, or in some other way become a poor exchange for Catherine’s honesty and integrity in following Jesus Christ.
O God, Who didst distinguish Thy holy virgin and martyr Catherine by the gift of great wisdom and virtue, and a victorious combat with the enemies of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, through her intercession, constancy in the Faith and the wisdom of the saints, that we may devote all the powers of our mind and heart to Thy service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glorious St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, help me to imitate your love of purity. Give me strength and courage in fighting off the temptations of the world and evil desires. Help me to love God with my whole heart and serve Him faithfully. O St. Catherine, through your glorious martrydom for the love of Christ, help me to be loyal to my faith and my God as long as I live. Amen.