Memorial of Saints (July 17)

Speratus and Companions, the Sicilian Martyrs; Marcellina, virgin; Ennodius, bishop; Kenelm; Leo IV, pope; Clement of Okhrida and Companions, the Seven Apostles of Bulgaria; Nerses Lampronazi, bishop; Mary Magdelen Postel

Speratus (d. 180 A.D.) was a resident in Tunisia when he was arrested for his Christian faith together with others. They were offered their freedom if they would worship pagan gods. Speratus was the spokesman of the group of seven men and five women. They refused and were beheaded. Known as the Sicilian Martyrs, the account of their martyrdom is the earliest record of martyrdom in the African Church.

Ennodius (473-521 A.D.) was married but he and his wife decided to part - she to become a nun and Ennodius to be ordained a deacon. Eventually Ennodius was appointed bishop of Ticinum in 514 A.D. He was noted for his help to the poor, the churches he built and his writings. Notable among his writings were his autobiography of St. Antoninus of Lérins, an autobiography, a handbook on rhetoric, poetry and letters.

Memorial of Saints (July 16)

Athenogenes, bishop and martyr; Eustathius of Antioch, bishop; Helier, martyr; Reineldis, virgin and martyr; Fulrad, abbot

Athenogenes (d. ca. 305 A.D.) was a bishop and theologian. He was burned to death with 10 companions at Sebaste, Armenia, during the persecution of Christians by Diocletian. Athenogenes was the author of a hymn proclaiming the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

Helier (6th century A.D.) was born at Belgium. He was raised a Christian by a priest, who was murdered by Helier's pagan father. He eventually became a hermit on the Isle of Jersey. He has been venerated in the Isle of Jersey since his murder by a band of brigands.

Memorial of Saints (July 15)

Bonaventure (died 1274 A.D.): O.F.M. minister general for 17 years; Cardinal bishop of Albano; authored biblical commentaries and many ascetical and spiritual treatises, esp Journey of the Soul into God; known as the "seraphic Doctor."

There are two stories in relation to how he got the name Bonaventure. One story tells how Maria, his mother, pleaded to St. Francis to cure the dangerous illness that Bonaventure was stricken with as a baby. Another story tells how St. Francis cured him of a mortal illness when only 4 years old. Whichever was true, what was important is that both share the legend of St. Bonaventure being healed from his ailment, and St. Francis seeing a great future for the baby and exclaimed, "O buona venture" - O good fortune! O good encounter! That was how he got the name Bonaventure.

Learn more about St. Bonaventure's writings and spirituality

also on July 15:

• James of Nisibis, bishop;
• Barhadbesaba, martyr;
• Donald;
• Swithun, bishop;
• Athanasius of Naples, bishop;
• Edith of Polesworth;
• Valdimir of Kiev;
• David of Munktorp, bishop;
• Pompilio Pirrotti

Donald (8th century A.D.) was a resident of Ogilvy in Scotland. He formed a religious group with his nine daughters after the death of his wife. They later entered a monastery at Abernethy.