SAINT OF THE MONTH: ST. GERTRUDE OF NIVELLES
THERE’ S A SAINT FOR SNOW DAYS??
KINGDOM KEEPERS: MSGR. KEVIN CALLAHAN
Faith in Action
SAINT OF THE MONTH: ST. GERTRUDE OF NIVELLES
By Maureen Hannon
This saint of the month is none other than St. Gertrude of Nivelles. Born in 626, the daughter of Blessed Pepin of Landen and Blessed Itta of Ida, she was a mystic- gifted with visions. When Gertrude was 10 years old, King Dagobert tried to arrange a marriage between her and the son of an Austrasion duke in order to form a political alliance, but Gertrude refused to marry him because she wanted to become a nun in the church instead, saying that she would only be married to Jesus Christ. Gertrude did become a nun, and she worked with her mother to start a monastery at Nivelles, Belgium. Gertrude helped build new churches and hospitals, and she took care of travelers and local people in need( such as widows and orphans). She also spent lots of time in prayer vigils. Since Gertrude was known for offering hospitality to everyone and everything, she was kind to the cats that hung around her monastery, offering them food and affection. So Gertrude came to be associated with the animals, and now is the patron saint of cats. Now, whenever is sick, or missing, pray to St. Gertrude of Nivelles, and hopefully you prayers will be answered!
THERE’ S A SAINT FOR SNOW DAYS??
By Carolina Rivero
St. Eulalia of Merida is the patron saint of snow days! There’ s a saint for that!? Yep! She was born in 290 in Spain. As a teenager, she was determined to stop the worshipping of pagan gods. Eulalia professed herself a Christian to Judge Dacian of Merida. She also insulted the pagan gods and dared the authorities to martyr her. People stripped Eulalia of her clothes, tortured her with hooks and torches, and burned her at the stake. As she perished, a dove flew from her mouth. A miraculous snowfall covered her nakedness, its whiteness proving her saintliness. They also threw her ashes at the ground, and a snowfall covered them. Eulalia died in the year 304. So, if you’ re ever hoping for a day off, pray to St. Eulalia of Merida for a snow day!
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KINGDOM KEEPERS: MSGR. KEVIN CALLAHAN
By Lance and Ryan Lavery
Msgr. Kevin Callahan loves being a priest! He loves it because he can be a part of people’ s lives and share in those moments. When he was in grade school, he knew he wanted to be a priest. His mentor from an early age was Msgr. Edward Eichor. He admired him because of his great patience. Msgr. Eichor took the time to drive Kevin and his friends home from sports practice at Prep. North High School Seminary. Fr. Kevin entered Kennrick Glennon Seminary at age 18, and his favorite memories were being around people who wanted to be priests as much as he did. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing racquetball, and helping and spending time with other people. His favorite scripture passage is Psalm 51. If he could have dinner with any saint it would be St. Kevin. May almighty God always bless Msgr. Callahan as he keeps His Kingdom!