Though born to Orthodox parents, St Josaphat became a Catholic. He worked faithfully for the reform of the Church and unity between East and West. He faced much opposition and suffered martyrdom at the hands of an angry mob.
St Martin of Tours was a young soldier who was riding his horse in the coldest part of the winter, when he met a beggar sitting at the side of the road by the city gate. He had nothing to give him, but in a moment of inspiration he drew his sword, cut his cloak in half, and gave one half to the beggar.
St Leo the Great became Pope in 440. His famous meeting with Attila the Hun outside Rome saved the city from destruction then, although, despite his efforts, it was pillaged by Vandals in 455. His theological writings earned him the title of Doctor of the Church.
Having celebrated the saints in Heaven, the Church today turns her attentions to the Holy Souls in Purgatory – holy because Heaven awaits them but suffering the pain of purification in the crucible of God’s love. The process of purgation can also be assisted through our prayers, penances and good works.
On All Saints, the Church celebrates all those who are in Heaven – both those recognised by the Church as saints and those known only to the Lord.
Thaddeus, better known as Jude and most famous as the patron saint of lost causes, may have been Simon’s companion in death. They are venerated on the same day. There is a tradition to connect them - that they travelled together to Persia where they were martyred, after earlier and separate missionary journeys: Simon’s to Egypt and Jude’s to Syria.
