RICHIE FERNANDO, SJ: the Jesuit Who Jumped on a Grenade
Brother Richard Fernando, a 26 year-old seminarian from the Philippines, arrived in Cambodia in 1995 to serve at a Jesuit mission which served people crippled by polio, landmines, or other accidents. The young Jesuit quickly earned the trust of his students by learning the language and taking the time to listen to their stories.
On October 17, 1996, one of his students, an ornery former child soldier named Sarom, threatened to toss a live grenade into a packed classroom. Held back by Fernando, the student accidentally released his grip on the grenade. The Jesuit thereupon threw himself on it, dying as he absorbed the blast with his person to protect everyone in the vicinity, including a regretful Sarom.
Fernando is now on the road to sainthood, thanks to a norm issued by Pope Francis that opens the door to canonization for those who have "voluntarily and freely offered their lives for others and have persevered until death in this regard."
Brother Richard Fernando, a 26 year-old seminarian from the Philippines, arrived in Cambodia in 1995 to serve at a Jesuit mission which served people crippled by polio, landmines, or other accidents. The young Jesuit quickly earned the trust of his students by learning the language and taking the time to listen to their stories.
On October 17, 1996, one of his students, an ornery former child soldier named Sarom, threatened to toss a live grenade into a packed classroom. Held back by Fernando, the student accidentally released his grip on the grenade. The Jesuit thereupon threw himself on it, dying as he absorbed the blast with his person to protect everyone in the vicinity, including a regretful Sarom.
Fernando is now on the road to sainthood, thanks to a norm issued by Pope Francis that opens the door to canonization for those who have "voluntarily and freely offered their lives for others and have persevered until death in this regard."
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Blessed Emperor-King Karl I&IV of Austria-Hungary
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OCTOBER 21: A PRINCESS WITH HUNDREDS OF MAIDENS
Saint Ursula and companions
Virgins and Martyrs
Died: 383
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She was a virgin and martyr. Legends say she was a princess. She was supposed to marry a pagan prince. She asked for a 3-year postponement of their marriage. She went on a pilgrimage to Rome and was accompanied by hundreds of virgins. On their way back, their ship was intercepted by a group of Huns. The chief of the Huns offered her marriage. She refused. Consequently, she and her maidens were martyred for the faith.
Saint Ursula and companions
Virgins and Martyrs
Died: 383
---
She was a virgin and martyr. Legends say she was a princess. She was supposed to marry a pagan prince. She asked for a 3-year postponement of their marriage. She went on a pilgrimage to Rome and was accompanied by hundreds of virgins. On their way back, their ship was intercepted by a group of Huns. The chief of the Huns offered her marriage. She refused. Consequently, she and her maidens were martyred for the faith.
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OCTOBER 22: A COMPETENT SCHOOL TEACHER
Blessed Ambrosio Leon Lorente Vicente
Religious Brother and Martyr
Died: 1936
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He was a Spanish La Sallian brother and martyr. His original name was Pedro Lorente Vicente. He taught in a school where he was loved by his students mainly because of his competence in teaching. Four years later, the Spanish Revolution started. The militiamen attacked the school where he was teaching. He escaped and hid in Valencia with two other La Sallian brothers. They were all discovered and killed for being religious brothers.
Blessed Ambrosio Leon Lorente Vicente
Religious Brother and Martyr
Died: 1936
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He was a Spanish La Sallian brother and martyr. His original name was Pedro Lorente Vicente. He taught in a school where he was loved by his students mainly because of his competence in teaching. Four years later, the Spanish Revolution started. The militiamen attacked the school where he was teaching. He escaped and hid in Valencia with two other La Sallian brothers. They were all discovered and killed for being religious brothers.
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OCTOBER 22: BEATEN WITH STICKS AND IRON NAILS
Saint Valerius of Langres
Deacon and Martyr
Died: 411
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He was an archdeacon in Langres under the holy bishop Desiderius. St. Desiderius was martyred. Valerius hastily gathered the remnants of the Christian congregation and fled. The Vandals under Crocus occupied this place after the conquest of Langres, so they seized Valerius. He was beaten with sticks equipped with iron nails and finally beheaded. The Christians buried his body in the place where he had suffered martyrdom.
Saint Valerius of Langres
Deacon and Martyr
Died: 411
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He was an archdeacon in Langres under the holy bishop Desiderius. St. Desiderius was martyred. Valerius hastily gathered the remnants of the Christian congregation and fled. The Vandals under Crocus occupied this place after the conquest of Langres, so they seized Valerius. He was beaten with sticks equipped with iron nails and finally beheaded. The Christians buried his body in the place where he had suffered martyrdom.
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