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 !