Jan 6 – S. of God Catherine of Aragon – Franciscan Saint of the Day

 

The life of Servant of God Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England, Widow, Third Order (1485-1536) for the Franciscan Saint of the Day for Jan 6. Catharine was born in Spain the daughter of Elizabeth and Ferdinand of Spain. She was devout and married Henry VIII of England who was unfaithful to her and even separated from the Church in order to renounce Catherine and marry Ann Bohlen. She was exiled from the court and from her children but stayed true to her faith through all her tribulations.

Reflection is on constancy in suffering as exemplified by Catherine, knowing that in suffering we will inherit glory in heaven.
Perseverance wins the heavenly crown.
Perseverance comes from not putting our attention on the glory or the suffering in this world, but stay focused on the goal, heaven.

For more on S. of God Catharine
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_of_Aragon

Also on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PMLLziKTuhM

Read by Fr. Ignatius Manfredonia, FI from Marion Habig's 'The Franciscan Book of Saints' Revised Edition, Franciscan Herald Press, ISBN: 978-0819907516

Playlist of Franciscan Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxcAETrU_k&list=PLejh_e0-LN4wErRczZGry4TXytCZFiLCm

Ave Maria!

+++